Frequently asked questions
Do you have a current DBS certificate?
Yes. I have a certificate which shows I have undergone the enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks - previously known as enhanced CRB checks. This is the highest level of DBS check available. I also complete regular safeguarding training (last in September 2024) as part of my continuing professional development.
What are your qualifications as an assessor?
I completed a postgraduate qualification enabling me to assess for dyslexia and dyscalculia in 2004, and through this gained Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) which is ongoing. I have a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) and my name appears on the SASC register of assessors and the BDA list of approved assessors.
What are the benefits of gaining formal identification of a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyscalculia?
There are many benefits to assessment including the fact that – diagnosis or not – based on the outcomes of the assessment process, personalised recommendations for support and intervention will always be made. If identification of dyslexia, dyscalculia or other difficulties (such as those associated with auditory memory or processing speed) is made, then often, the individual is helped to understand why they may be struggling with certain aspects of learning e.g. reading, spelling, maths. This in turn may have a positive impact upon their self-esteem and self-awareness. Also, if the criteria for a diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty is met, then the report – which is lifelong – can be used as supporting evidence when seeking financial assistance on entry to higher education through the Disabled Students Allowance.
What is the difference between a specialist assessor and educational psychologist in terms of a dyslexia/dyscalculia assessment?
Specialist assessors undergo very tailored and rigorous postgraduate training relating to specific learning difficulties and assessment; they also have to engage in considerable continuing professional development related to dyslexia and dyscalculia in order to maintain their assessment practicing certificate. Educational psychologists tend to operate more widely in the field of special educational needs (e.g. supporting and identifying social and emotional needs, autism etc.) and are not always qualified teachers; however, despite not always being best placed to make suitable recommendations for literacy and numeracy support/intervention, their report should still be thorough and assess all relevant underlying abilities and skills. Specialist assessors ordinarily use guidelines updated regularly by SASC to produce very detailed diagnostic SpLD assessment reports. Whilst some Educational Psychologists use these particular standards, others don’t. It is a question that is worth asking when deciding who to appoint to carry out a diagnostic assessment. In addition, it is widely accepted that educational psychologists are more expensive to engage than specialist assessors!
Frequently used acronyms
AMBDA – Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association
APC – Assessment Practicing Certificate
BDA – British Dyslexia Association
PATOSS – Professional Association of Teachers of Students with SpLD
SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
SASC – Specific Learning Difficulties Assessment Standards Committee
SpLD – Specific Learning Difficulty