Before the Assessment

Before contacting Vicky for a dyslexia assessment, it’s a good idea to first speak with your child’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). They may have observed learning difficulties and could offer initial screenings or interventions at school. In some cases, these interventions might resolve your child’s difficulties without the need for a full dyslexia assessment and subsequent recommendations. Additionally, some schools have their own dyslexia assessors that offers discounted services, which could be worth exploring.

Once you’ve consulted with your child’s school and decided to move forward with an assessment, you can reach out to Vicky by submitting an enquiry or ask any questions you may have by giving her a call on 07801 234 563. She will then get in touch with you and you can discuss next steps. A non-refundable deposit of £345 (50% of the total fee) is required to secure your assessment booking and Vicky will send you payment details along with any other information that you require.

Please note that a routine eye test must have been conducted within the 12 months prior to the assessment date. The results of this eye test should be shared with Vicky shortly after booking to ensure everything is in place for the assessment.

After booking and payment, Vicky will send you a background information questionnaire and a visual difficulties screener to complete. It’s important to fill out these forms in as much detail as possible, involving your child to ensure their views are captured. If you have any examples of your child’s schoolwork that you feel would be helpful, please attach them when returning the forms via email.

As part of the preparation, Vicky will also require input from your child’s educational institution. She will provide you with an electronic form to send to the appropriate person at the school. Schools often take a couple of weeks to complete this, so please allow enough time and follow up if necessary. The assessment cannot take place without this information.

Taking these steps ensures a smooth process and helps Vicky deliver a thorough and accurate assessment, tailored to your child’s needs. Do ask any questions along the way. Vicky is here to support you throughout the process.

The day of the assessment

Once you have booked the time and date for the assessment and returned all the required forms, including the background questionnaires, visual screener, and optician’s report, you’re ready for the assessment! The final payment of £345 (the remaining 50% of the total fee) is payable on the day of assessment. Please note that a report will not be generated without receipt of this fee.

The assessment typically takes place at Vicky’s welcoming home in Lichfield. Located on a quiet, leafy street, there’s plenty of parking available on the driveway or the road. The assessment will be conducted in a peaceful through-living room, with a comfortable seating area available for a waiting parent. If traveling to Lichfield is not an option for you, please contact Vicky to discuss alternative arrangements.

The assessment usually lasts between 3 to 4 hours, including breaks, though the exact duration may vary depending on the individual. Vicky begins by focusing on the student’s strengths, such as a strong visual memory or excellent communication skills, with engaging activities. Once the student feels comfortable, more challenging tasks are introduced, with breaks as needed. For younger children, games or movement may also be incorporated to keep them engaged.

The testing typically includes assessments of underlying ability, reading, spelling, rapid naming, phonological processing, and memory, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the student’s learning profile. The assessment session is thorough and can be challenging at times for the child. A bit of motivation from parents, along with occasional snacks or a favourite drink, can go a long way in keeping them encouraged and engaged throughout the process.

Important Guidelines for a Smooth Assessment

To ensure the assessment runs smoothly and yields valid results, please follow these important guidelines:

  1. Adult Supervision: A responsible adult must remain in the same room as the child throughout the assessment. However, the adult should not influence the child’s responses or interact with them during the testing.
  2. Minimize Distractions: All devices must be silenced, and the assessment environment must be free from background noise. No other children are permitted in the assessment room.
  3. Confidentiality: Test materials must remain confidential. Please do not take photos, record the session, or share any test content in any form.
  4. Necessary Items: Ensure that the child has their glasses or coloured overlays if these are part of their usual way of working.

Please note that failure to adhere to these conditions will invalidate the assessment results, and the session will still have to be charged.

These measures ensure the assessment is a productive, positive experience for everyone involved! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Vicky ahead of the appointment.