Accredited dyslexia assessments

For children between 7-16 years old

When you're worried about your child's learning it can be a confusing time, and hard to know what to do. If you or your child's teacher think that they may have dyslexia, the next step might be a formal assessment.

Benefits of a dyslexia assessment

Planning effective teaching

It will give you a clear picture of your child's strengths and weaknesses. Whether or not dyslexia is diagnosed, it will help you and their school to give them more tailored, effective support.

• The information in a report enables those involved in your child's education to make informed changes. This helps to establish tools & techniques that will support your child to make the best progress they can.
• If afterwards you decide to seek specialist tuition, a diagnostic report will include recommendations that can be used to plan effective individual or small group support for your child.

It is the most accessible diagnostic report I've ever read! Your guidelines for the classroom are brilliant and will be helpful for [child]'s teachers and TAs.

Maxine Houghton, SENCo and school governor

Unlocking extra support

A report does not secure extra funding for younger children, but it can ensure additional support from school:

• A diagnostic report identifying a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) ensures that your child will be legally protected under the 2015 SEND Code of Practice: 0-25. This means that your child's school will be required to make reasonable adjustments (ie. appropriate to their resources) to support their specific needs.
• Exam access arrangements, including extra time, can be awarded to children with a recognised SpLD.
• In Higher Education, a learner in receipt of an accredited diagnostic report will be able to apply for support from the Government via the Disabled Support Allowance (DSA). This support includes access to subsidised equipment, training and mentoring.

Clarity & empowerment

A diagnosis may give you – as a parent – clarity for the first time. With this comes the confidence to play a positive and more proactive role in your child's experience of school and education.

And it can help a child understand why they feel different in school, providing a perspective that can reduce their frustration or anxiety. It will also help them to move forward practically too – it has been described as "the first step towards being an independent learner".

---

Choosing the best option for your child

Some children's needs are complex and different types of assessment may be appropriate.

The British Dyslexia Association also provides impartial information to help you decide if an assessment is right for you and your child.