Why would a child benefit from being assessed by an Educational Psychologist?

This is an important question. Ed Psychs have extensive training around children and young people's learning but also in the areas of language, social skills, emotional wellbeing, behaviour and concentration. We look at the whole person rather than just focusing on literacy or numeracy. A young person's difficulty may actually be very specific but Ed Psychs gather lots of information so they can try to take into account anything that may be affecting the child’s learning and development. Although diagnosing a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia may be an outcome of assessment, Ed Psychs will also help generate ideas about next steps.  Ed Psychs are used to working closely with teachers, schools and parents to put in place interventions and strategies to boost children's learning so an EP assessment is designed to be practical, positive and forward looking.

How is an assessments for adults different?

Adults may request an assessment to find out how they learn, and to gain clarity about whether they have a specific learning difficulty in the area of literacy, maths, speed tasks or another area. They may need a reassessment for professional exams or university, or to access support in the workplace.

The assessment for adults involves different versions of tests but essentially the same areas are being looked at. Working memory, processing speed, verbal and non-verbal skills and literacy skills will be explored in detail. The aim is to look at academic strengths, difficulties and potential. Personalised strategies for academic studies will be given if required and the assessment can support a DSA application at university or an application for exam access arrangements in professional exams. Individualised workplace strategies can also be provided.

How does an online assessment work and what do parents need to do to set it up?

Online or remote assessments have become more common due to restrictions during the Covid pandemic. Michelle has used an iPad based testing system for several years in a face to face setting. The iPad based testing can continue to be used during remote assessment except that Michelle screenshares assessment content using a video conferencing service. This links your child to assessment materials designed to be administered digitally and the assessment has lots of varied, short tasks and is interactive.

The child or young person being assessed will need access to a laptop or desktop computer, access to a video conferencing service such as Zoom or Skype, and use of a quiet room. Michelle will arrange a call in advance of the assessment to check that the technical side of things runs smoothly and so that we have a chance to run through how an online assessment will work. Parents will be expected to be present at the start and end of assessment and to be at home during the assessment in case there are technical issues or they are needed. Online assessment allows flexibility with the timing of assessments and a lot of children and families appreciate being able to access a full learning assessment in this way.  Some young people feel more at ease having the assessment in a familiar setting.

​Does my child's school need to be involved?

Michelle always prefers to carry out a thorough assessment and to hear from parents, school staff and the child themselves. School staff are a vital source of information about the child. If difficulties are identified, then practical strategies and recommendations are given in the report. If school have been involved from the start then it is easier to continue the process and ensure that the child can be supported both at home and school. There may occasionally be instances when parents would prefer school not to be involved in the assessment and this can, of course, be discussed.