Assessments
I offer assessments for people living within Norfolk on a sliding scale to suit individual needs. These are not exclusive packages, they can be 'topped up' to a more in-depth package if required, providing this is done within 4 months of the original assessment.
Initial assessment from £120
This is not a diagnostic assessment (or a 'screener'), it is designed to be a 'light touch' assessment to indicate possible SEN/SpLD and areas for further investigation, if indicated. In line with the SEN Code of Practice, a 'light touch' assessment helps to avoid over assessment.
Intermediate assessment from £200
This assessment looks a little deeper into ability levels not already covered by an initial assessment. This includes testing for visual stress.
Detailed Assessment from £300
This is a more detailed assessment of various areas of ability. It may look, for example, into wider comprehension, memory & learning and motor skills.
Form 8
A Form 8 is required for Access Arrangements for GCSE, GCE and other Level 1/2/3 exams (e.g. Functional Skills). Individual schools and colleges will need to decide whether to accept an external Form 8 or not, so please ask them in advance. If assesments indicate that Reasonable Adjustments should be made, a Form 8 can be added on to the assessment for and additional £25.
Assessments take from 1 - 4.5hrs, depending on the level requested. Reports are usually sent within 10 working days. This may be longer for a deeper report, or if the individual's profile is particularly complex. You will be advised at the time of the assessment.
The information gained from any assessment can be used in an EHC plan, or in a request for an EHC plan. Independent reports constitute 'parental evidence' during EHC Needs Assessments and any report submitted by parents should be shared with other professionals as part of that process.
As part of 'best practice', I recommend that children under the age of 7 have initial-level assessments, rather than a deeper battery of tests. It is important to remember that support is needs-led and not label-led. A report indicating areas of strengths and weaknesses can help inform teaching support, as well as providing the background for a possible future diagnosis.
As a practitioner, I am bound by Data Protection and cannot disclose information without consent. However, this is not applicable where they might be a Safeguarding issue.