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Dyslexia Solutions Dyslexia Assessments in Cheshire
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Experienced Dyslexia Assessors based in Cheshire
CAROLINE HOUGH BEd (Hons)
AMBDA, PG Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy, Assessment Practising Certificate – PATOSS, SASC
Dyslexia Solutions was established by Caroline Hough in 2014. Caroline has worked in a variety of settings for over 20 years. In addition to delivering support and teaching programmes to people of all ages in different settings, Caroline has managed support services in post 16 settings and worked in an advisory role to support schools implementing dyslexia friendly teaching methods.
Caroline has three dyslexic children of her own (all adults now). This gives her a unique insight into the strengths and difficulties experienced by dyslexic individuals. Caroline is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
SALLY WILNE BA (Hons)
PGCE, PGCert, PGDip in Dyslexia and Literacy, AMBDA, PATOSS (APC)
Sally is an experienced teacher and specialist dyslexia assessor, with 25 years of teaching, learning and special needs support across all age groups. She has worked in primary, secondary schools, higher education colleges, including the role of SENCO within a secondary school and the SEND team of the local authority. Sally is adept at teaching one to one as well as in groups or classes. She now undertakes dyslexia assessments and exam concession evaluations privately and works with schools and local authorities to provide SEND services and consultation.
Dyslexia Solutions now provides diagnostic assessments for dyslexia commissioned privately, by schools, colleges, and universities, and employers for those in the workplace.
At Dyslexia Solutions we undertake regular CPD, hold current Assessment Practicing Certificates (APC) which enables us to assess individuals of all ages. All reports are written in accordance with the DfES and SASC Guidelines. We are DBS checked and hold professional indemnity insurance. We are registered with the data protection agency.
Diagnostic Assessments
Why have an assessment?
Individuals often contact me as they or their child may be experiencing difficulties at school, college, university or in the workplace. They may suspect dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties. There may be other members of their family who have experienced similar problems, or they may have been advised by their school, college, or their workplace that dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties are suspected.
Younger Children
With younger children it may be that they are not be making expected progress – especially with reading, writing, and spelling.
Older students in high school
With older students in high school, it may be that they are experiencing difficulties with their studies such as recalling what they have learnt and completing examinations within the required time. For those studying for GCSE, ‘A’ level and other Examinations Access Arrangements have been put in place by school. This could include arrangements such as 25% extra time in their examinations. They may not have been officially diagnosed with dyslexia. An assessment can be really helpful to identify their exact areas of strength and difficulty so that they can study effectively.
Students in 6th form or college
Students in 6th form or college may be considering going to university others may already be at university and need evidence to apply for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) to support their studies. https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas
For those students who are in year nine or above it is possible to complete part of the Form 8. This is the form required by the JQC (Joint Qualifications Council) from school as part of the process for applying for examination access arrangements such as extra time. Liaison with the school is required for this free service.
Other Services
Businesses and adults in the workplace
Individuals in the workplace may suspect they have dyslexia and may be experiencing difficulties with...
Individuals in the workplace may suspect they have dyslexia and may be experiencing difficulties with some aspects of their job and wonder if the existence of dyslexia or a specific learning difficulty is the reason for this.
They may require evidence for the Access to Work Fund https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work. They may require evidence for adjustments in examinations for professional qualifications.
Businesses and HR departments may arrange an assessment on behalf of an individual employee in order to provide adjustment within the workplace.
Businesses and HR departments may arrange an assessment on behalf of an individual employee in order to provide adjustment within the workplace.
Services for Schools
Individual Schools have different requirements so please get in touch if you feel we can help.
Individual Schools have different requirements so please get in touch if you feel we can help.
We are able to provide:
• Diagnostic Assessments
• Screening to support teaching and learning.
• Access Arrangement Assessments
• Dyslexia Awareness Training
We are able to provide:
• Diagnostic Assessments
• Screening to support teaching and learning.
• Access Arrangement Assessments
• Dyslexia Awareness Training
A full diagnostic assessment is the only way to confirm dyslexia. It can be helpful for all concerned as recommendations made can guide all concerned to a way forward with studies or work and for parents and school to support the child effectively. Individuals who do not have a reason for their difficulties often struggle with self-esteem and a diagnosis and appropriate mentoring can show them the strengths and potential they have and so can be a positive process. Reports written at any age will provide evidence to apply for a DSA.
The Assessment Process
Before the assessment discussions will take place either by phone or email and questionnaires completed by individuals or parents and schools. This is a vital part of the assessment process as it provides valuable background information about a person’s strengths and difficulties.
The actual assessment
takes between 2.5 to 3 hours to complete (it may take a little longer for older students/individuals).
The assessment comprises of a range of tests to look at:
- visual and verbal ability
- Areas of processing such as short-term memory, speed of processing, and phonological processing.
- Literacy skills including reading, spelling, and writing.
- For students aged above 16 years, at assessment, it is possible to look for the possibility of dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
What our clients say
“Thank you for this report. I have just managed to sit and read through the content and found it absolutely fascinating. Thank you so much for the time and effort put into this report. I will forward it to the school so that they have time with it before breaking up. I will then follow up once he returns in September for year 10. The information is really incredible.”
– Mother, year 9 student
Where and when do the assessments take place?
The assessments take place at the Old Fuel Depot Business Centre, Twemlow Lane, Twemlow, Nr. Holmes Chapel, CW4 8GJ https://www.theoldfueldepot.com/
Assessments are available through the week including the school holidays.
How much does an assessment cost?
The fee for a full diagnostic assessment is £500. On booking an assessment you will receive an invoice. Our preferred payment method is bank transfer but you will also have the option to pay by card. A deposit of £100 is payable within seven days to secure the booking. The balance is payable on or before the day of the assessment.
How to book an Assessment?
To book an assessment get in touch with us either by email or phone. We will then ask you to complete the appropriate questionnaire and if required we will ask you to request that the school complete their questionnaire. Once a date has been agreed you will receive an invoice and a deposit of £100 will be required within ten days. This will secure your booking. The balance is then due on or before the day of the assessment. During the process, you may have questions and we are always happy to talk about any concerns you may have.
What happens after an assessment?
Following the assessment a report will be produced and this takes up to three weeks although usually less than this. This will be emailed directly to the person who has funded the assessment. It is a detailed document, and it will provide a diagnosis if appropriate and will signpost to other areas of investigation if dyslexia is not found to be present. Recommendations for adjustments and support will be made in context of study, workplace, or daily life.