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When does an Educational Psychologist (EP) become involved?
An educational psychology assessment may be suggested by a school, pre-school or parent for a variety of reasons. For example, to find out more about a child's strengths and needs, if there are concerns about progress despite support, to explore whether there is a specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia) or help provide information for an EHCP application, annual review or before a transfer, for example to another school or before exams. EP advice may also be sought if there are concerns about a child's social, emotional or mental health.
Before you decide whether to go ahead with an educational psychology assessment, it is recommended you talk to the SENCO at your child's education setting. It may be the school or setting can adjust or provide more or different support for your child. Alternatively, it is possible there is another professional who may be better placed to be able to help you (for example a Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Paediatrician) particularly when a clinical diagnosis may be appropriate.
What do I offer?
Types of Assessment
The nature of the assessment / EP involvement will depend on the needs of the child and the purpose of the report. This will be discussed and agreed with the person making contact prior to involvement and to ensure hopes are identified and met. This may involve:
Consultation / Coaching - e.g. a short meeting with parent or teacher to explore the situation and find solutions.
Individual assessments including cognitive assessment and literacy or numeracy attainments e.g. for specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyscalculia).
Review assessments following a previous EP assessment to consider progress and advise on any additional strategies.
Measures of social emotional wellbeing and self esteem including for:
Anxiety / low self -esteem
Difficulties with attention and concentration*
Social communication and interaction needs (e.g. autism)*
*Please note I can advise on and provide strategies to support pupils with attention difficulties and social communication and interaction difficulties. My assessments can also help clarify whether further neurodevelopmental assessment for autism or ADHD is advisable and information from my reports often contribute towards a diagnostic assessment. However, an educational psychology assessment alone will not result in a diagnosis of autism or ADHD.
Exam arrangements. I can advise on access arrangements for exams for schools with whom I work regularly, however schools / centres will also have their own processes and assessors. It is therefore important you talk to the SENCO before booking an assessment to discuss any concerns and find out about school processes.
Please note: I work with children up to the age of 17, this is because I do not hold assessment materials for those above this age. I do not currently carry out assessments for tribunals.
The main assessment involves an in depth cognitive assessment, assessment of attainments and pupil views (assessment of dyslexia is included within this). A typical assessment cost is around £725. There may be a small additional cost for additional assessments such as maths, self esteem, screening for attention difficulties, social communication and interaction, sensory needs, social emotional scales etc. This will be discussed and agreed prior to booking in an assessment date.
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