For Schools
Dyslexia screening, learner profiling and exam access arrangement support for schools
Specialist assessment support for schools in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside and surrounding areas.
I support schools by providing clear, practical assessment evidence to help identify pupils who may have dyslexic-type difficulties, understand their learning profiles and inform appropriate support in the classroom and during examinations.
My background as a qualified teacher, Specialist Dyslexia Assessor and former Head of SEND means that my recommendations are grounded in real classroom experience and designed to be useful for SENDCos, teachers, parents and pupils.
Support for schools can include
Dyslexia Screening and Learner Profiling
Screening and learner profiling can help schools identify pupils who may have dyslexic-type difficulties and understand the areas of learning that may need support.
This can be useful when schools want to:
- explore concerns around reading, spelling or writing
- identify pupils who may need targeted literacy support
- understand patterns of strengths and difficulties
- gather information to support classroom planning
- decide whether a full diagnostic assessment may be appropriate
- evidence the graduated approach of assess, plan, do and review
Screening and learner profiling do not provide a formal diagnosis of dyslexia, but they can help schools make informed decisions about support and next steps.
Exam Access Arrangement Testing
I provide assessment evidence to support schools in considering exam access arrangements for GCSE and A Level students.
This may include assessment of areas such as:
- reading speed
- reading accuracy
- writing speed
- processing speed
- working memory
- other skills linked to examination access needs
Access arrangements are not based on diagnosis alone. They must reflect the pupil’s normal way of working in school and be supported by appropriate school-based evidence.
Final decisions and applications remain the responsibility of the school.
Form 8 and Form 9 Support
Where appropriate, I can support schools with the completion of relevant JCQ paperwork, including Form 8 or Form 9.
This support is designed to help schools ensure that assessment evidence is clearly recorded and linked to the pupil’s normal way of working, classroom evidence and examination needs.
Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessments
Full diagnostic dyslexia assessments can also be provided for individual pupils where a formal diagnostic assessment is required.
Reports include clear findings, diagnostic conclusions where appropriate, and practical recommendations for classroom support, intervention and reasonable adjustments.
Support that helps school decisions
Schools need assessment information that is clear, practical and useful.
My assessment work can help schools understand:
- a pupil’s strengths and areas of difficulty
- whether there are indicators of dyslexic-type difficulties
- whether there is evidence of dyslexia, where a full diagnostic assessment is completed
- how difficulties may affect reading, writing, learning and exam performance
- what support may be helpful in class
- what evidence may support consideration of exam access arrangements
- whether further assessment or specialist input may be needed
Working with your school
Assessment sessions can usually be arranged within the school day, using a quiet room with a table and chairs.
Before assessment, I will liaise with the SENDCo or relevant member of staff to gather background information, discuss the reason for referral and clarify what evidence is needed.
Following assessment, the school will receive a clear summary, report or assessment evidence, depending on the work agreed. Where helpful, a feedback discussion can be arranged to talk through findings and next steps.
Who this support is for
This service may be helpful for:
- pupils with persistent literacy difficulties
- pupils who may have dyslexic-type difficulties
- pupils whose written work does not reflect their verbal ability
- pupils struggling with reading speed, writing speed or exam timing
- pupils who may need updated assessment evidence for access arrangements
- schools needing specialist assessment input to inform support planning
- SENDCos who need additional assessment capacity
Who this support is for
This service may be helpful for:
- pupils with persistent literacy difficulties
- pupils who may have dyslexia
- pupils whose written work does not reflect their verbal ability
- pupils struggling with reading speed, writing speed or exam timing
- pupils who may need updated assessment evidence for access arrangements
- schools needing specialist assessment input to inform support planning
