FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT AREAS OF DIFFICULTY DO YOU SUPPORT?
We work with individuals with any difficulties that may be impacting their learning and wellbeing. Typically these issues fall into these four categories:
Social and Emotional Wellbeing (including ADHD)
Communication and Interaction (including autism)
Cognition and Learning (including general and specific learning difficulties)
Physical and Sensory (including sensory processing needs)
WHAT DOES AN ASSESSMENT INCLUDE?
The assessment provides a cognitive ability profile (usually the Wechsler Scales or British Ability Scales) detailing strengths and weaknesses across different aspects of processing and learning. Assessments of reading, spelling, writing and number are completed as required. Further exploration into other areas such as emotional wellbeing, behaviour, attention, social skills, memory etc are completed as required.
The assessment is comprehensive and includes exploring a whole range of difficulties including, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. Other difficulties such as ADHD, Autism (and social communication) and emotional needs will be explored when appropriate. It will also highlight issues with processing speed, working memory, verbal reasoning, spatial skills and much more.
Following the assessment a detailed intervention and recommendation guide will be developed in line with your child’s profile.
HOW LONG DOES AN ASSESSMENT TAKE?
The assessment process is tailored to the needs of the child or young person. On average, a comprehensive Educational Psychology assessment lasts approximately 3 hours, dependent on the needs of the child/young person. Additional consultation meetings will be scheduled as required.
AFTER THE ASSESSMENT DOES IT MEAN MY CHILD WILL DEFINITELY GET AN EDUCATION HEALTH AND CARE PLAN?
No. An Education Health Care Plan (previously referred to as a Statement) is a plan from your Local Authority assigning resources such as hours and money to an individual who has significant education or healthcare needs. This may mean for example, that a person is able to gain additional support at school or college to help them to manage. An assessment does not mean that your child will definitely require or be eligible for an Educational Health and Care Plan. However, if we feel that your child will need a high level of support for their education, this will be discussed with you and next steps advised in applying for an Education Health and Care Plan advised.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ASSESSMENT COST?
As our assessments are tailored to the unique needs of the individual, the cost of an assessment varies.
Please contact us for a discussion of your requirements and the associated costs.
WHAT TRAINING SEMINARS / WORKSHOPS DO YOU OFFER FOR SCHOOLS OR PARENTS?
We offer a range of courses and seminars for professionals, school staff and parents. We offer a variety of child development topics as well as sessions that focus on supporting and understanding the needs of children with Special Educational Needs.
All training sessions are adapted to the specific needs of the setting, with adequate time allocated to Q&A for individual problem-solving.
Topics include:
Early developmental milestones – What your child should be doing from 0- 5 years.
Supporting your child’s literacy (or maths) development at home.
Self-esteem, confidence and resilience in children and young people.
Identifying and supporting ADHD and executive function difficulties.
Supporting children and young people on the Autism Spectrum.
Understanding social and emotional needs.
Supporting children and young people with dyslexia / dyscalculia / dyspraxia.
I AM THE SENCO OF A SCHOOL. WHAT SUPPORT CAN YOU OFFER US?
We offer additional involvement for schools who purchase a package of sessions over the academic year. For schools who wish to do this, please contact us for discounted rates.
Each term we meet with our schools for planning and case review meetings. During the case review our Educational Psychologist will discuss strategies (usually with the SENCo or Inclusion Manager) and plan the next term's support provision and upcoming assessments. We offer INSET training sessions to staff to enable approaches to be embedded within the whole school system as well as offering parent training sessions. We pride ourselves on being able to deliver personal, individualised packages of support based on your school’s individual requirements.