Questions I’m often asked
Plain answers about booking, and about me.
Before you book
A full assessment costs £500, or £525 for higher education or the workplace. You pay a £50 deposit when you book.
What’s includedWhy get a formal assessment for dyslexia?
An assessment gives a clear picture of how someone learns, including any difficulties with things like auditory memory or processing speed. Many people find it finally explains why some things have always felt hard, and it helps shape the right support at school, college, university, work or home.
Will an assessment guarantee extra time in exams or funding?
No. A school can use my report as evidence when it applies for exam access arrangements, but only if it agreed the assessment with me beforehand, as exam board rules require. A report can also support an application for funding or reasonable adjustments. The final decision always rests with the school, the exam board or the funding body, not with me.
Can I book an assessment online?
Not directly. Every assessment starts with a short conversation, so I can check it is the right next step and that I am the right person to help. Call me or send a message, and I will get back to you.
Where do assessments take place?
Face to face somewhere that suits you, or online. Travel for face-to-face visits is 45p per mile.
How much does an assessment cost?
A diagnostic assessment costs £500 for any age, with a £50 deposit when you book. An assessment for higher education or the workplace costs £525. Adults aged 18 and over can add ADHD and dyspraxia screening for an extra cost. For schools, exam access arrangements cost £50 per pupil, with package prices for four or more pupils.
My checks and qualifications
Do you have a current DBS certificate?
Yes. I hold an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, and I keep my safeguarding training up to date.
What are your qualifications as an assessor?
I hold a postgraduate qualification in assessing dyslexia, and I am an Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) with a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). I am also a member of the BDA, the Dyslexia Guild and PATOSS. You can see my full list of qualifications on the About me page.
Are you insured and registered for data protection?
Yes. I hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Schools are welcome to see my certificates, insurance and DBS details.
What do the acronyms on this site mean?
- ADHD:
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- AMBDA:
- Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association.
- APC:
- Assessment Practising Certificate.
- BDA:
- British Dyslexia Association.
- DBS:
- Disclosure and Barring Service.
- DCD:
- developmental coordination disorder, also known as dyspraxia.
- ICO:
- Information Commissioner’s Office.
- JCQ:
- Joint Council for Qualifications, which sets the rules for exam access arrangements.
- PATOSS:
- Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties.
- SASC:
- SpLD Assessment Standards Committee, which sets the guidelines assessment reports follow.
- SENCo:
- special educational needs coordinator.
- SEND:
- special educational needs and disabilities.
- SpLD:
- specific learning difficulty.
Still have a question?
Call me, or send me your question and I’ll get back to you.
07738 307274