Educational and Learning Assessments
Helping to understand the psychological, developmental and learning needs that may be affecting a child or young person's experience of education.
We provide independent psychological assessment for children and young people where there are questions about learning, cognitive functioning, emotional wellbeing, neurodevelopmental needs or their ability to access and engage with education.
Our aim is to develop a clear understanding of the individual child or young person and translate this into practical recommendations about the support they need.
When Might an Assessment Be Helpful?
An educational or learning assessment may be helpful when a child or young person is experiencing difficulties within education and there is a need to understand more clearly what may be contributing.
Parents may seek assessment because of:
• Difficulties with learning or academic progress
• Concerns about cognitive or learning needs
• Difficulties with attention, executive functioning or organisation
• Emotional overwhelm or dysregulation within education
• Anxiety or increasing difficulty attending school
• Neurodevelopmental differences affecting access to learning
• A significant difference between a child's apparent ability and their educational progress
• Concerns that existing support does not adequately reflect their needs
• A need for clearer recommendations about appropriate support or provision
• An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process or appeal
Assessments are individually planned according to the questions that need to be understood.
Our Educational and Learning Assessments
The type of assessment required will depend upon the questions being explored and the child or young person's individual circumstances.
If you are unsure which option is most appropriate, please contact us before booking.
Cognitive and Learning Needs Assessment
From £800
A comprehensive psychological assessment to develop a clearer understanding of a child or young person's individual pattern of cognitive and learning strengths and difficulties.
Assessment can help identify factors that may be affecting learning and provide practical recommendations for support at home and within education.
Independent Psychological Assessment for EHCP's and Education
From £995
For children and young people where there are more complex questions about psychological, emotional or neurodevelopmental needs and how these affect their ability to access education.
Assessment is individually planned according to the child or young person's circumstances and the questions that need to be addressed.
Understanding Learning Strengths and Difficulties
Children and young people can experience difficulties with learning for many different reasons.
A Learning Needs Assessment looks beyond academic attainment alone and considers the underlying cognitive processes that may influence how a child learns, processes information and manages educational demands.
Assessment may explore areas such as:
• Verbal and visual reasoning
• Working memory
• Processing speed
• Attention and executive functioning
• Literacy or other relevant areas of learning
• The interaction between cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty
Assessment is tailored according to the child or young person's individual presentation rather than applying the same set of measures in every case.
The aim is to identify both strengths and areas where additional support or adjustments may be helpful.
What's Included?
A Learning Needs Assessment may include:
• Initial parent consultation
• Review of developmental and educational history
• Individual cognitive assessment
• Assessment of relevant areas of learning where appropriate
• Consideration of information from school
• Individual psychological formulation
• Detailed written report
• Practical recommendations for home and education
• Feedback appointment
Independent Psychological Assessment for EHCP's and Education
Some children and young people have more complex psychological, emotional or neurodevelopmental needs that significantly affect their ability to access education.
An independent Clinical Psychology assessment can help develop a clearer understanding of these needs, how they affect the child or young person's functioning within education, and the support and provision they may require.
Assessment may be relevant where there are concerns about:
• Significant emotional or psychological difficulties affecting education
• Autism, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental needs
• School avoidance or barriers to attendance
• Emotional dysregulation or overwhelm within educational environments
• Previous exclusion or breakdown of an educational placement
• Difficulties communicating or advocating for support needs
• Sensory or environmental needs affecting access to education
• Existing provision not adequately meeting identified needs
• An EHCP needs assessment, review or appeal
The assessment is individually designed according to the child or young person's circumstances and the specific questions that need to be addressed.
What May Be Included?
Depending upon the purpose and complexity of the assessment, this may include:
• Parent consultation
• Direct assessment with the child or young person
• Review of developmental and educational history
• Review of relevant professional and educational information
• Psychological assessment appropriate to the presenting needs
• Consideration of emotional wellbeing and psychological functioning
• Consideration of the impact of neurodevelopmental needs
• Individual psychological formulation
• Detailed written report
• Recommendations regarding psychological and educational needs and provision