What does an assessment involve?
The word 'assessment' can be daunting but in reality it is about identifying the barriers to learning so that apprpriate strategies can be put in place to help a young person move forward with their learning, reaching their full potential.
The nature of the assessment will depend on the age and ability of the child. For example, for a younger child there is likely to be a stronger emphasis on foundation literacy skills such as letter knowledge, the ability to recognise and work with sounds in spoken language, word level reading and spelling. For older children it may be more appropriate to perform timed tasks that assess reading and writing speed. However, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' rule as an assessment will always be tailored to the individual according to their stage of development.
Reading comprehension is an important assessment domain for all ages and will often require specific assessment that focuses on language skills such as sequencing, vocabulary, verbal reasoning and inference.
Please contact me if you are a parent that would like to find out more about the assessment process and whether it is the right step for you and your child.
Gathering background information
An important part of the process, prior to working with a child, is to gather as much background information as possible about the young person. This could include important milestones such as speech and language or a previous health condition such as glue ear.
It will also be important for me gain parental perspective of the current literacy difficulties. Being presented with a clear picture will help me to identify areas to work on so that the assessment is targeted and personalised.
If working alongside a school, the process will be similar with the added benefit of seeing the young person within their learning environment and gaining perspective from the school as well as the parent(s).
What does an assessment at home look like?
Friendly phone call
A free, no obligation, 20 minute phone or video call can be arranged where we can discuss your circumstances, gather some background information about your child, and agree on next steps to suit you and your family.
Assessment
If an assessment is agreed, a mutuallly convenient time to visit your home will be arranged. The nature of the assessment will depend on the age and ability of your child. The duration of the assessment will be advised by the parent but will usually be between 1 to 2 hours.
Written Feedback
An assessment will always be followed up with written feedback identifying your child's stengths and areas for development. Written feedback will also include recommendations and strategies, for school and home, to help your child move forward with their learning.
Follow-Up Teaching Sessions (based on assessment outcome)
Where appropriate, additional follow-up sessions can also be booked to support your child with an identified area of development. Three 1 hour sessions available -
Session 1: One-to-One teaching
Session 2: One-to-One teaching & sharing of strategies with parent(s)/carer(s)
Session 3: Used flexibly to best meet family need (e.g. one-to-one teaching , reinforcing strategies, consultation)
What does an assessment at school look like?
A visit to school can be arranged where a joint consultation with school and family can be held. A school visit will usually also include an in-class observation.
Families or educational settings can contact me to discuss how we can support a pupil's needs effectively in school.
Please note that written parental permission is required for all school-based assessments.