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SCHOOL AGED ASSESSMENT

School-Aged Assessment

Thoughtful, child-centred support to help you understand your child’s learning and wellbeing

 

A school-aged assessment offers clarity when learning, friendships or school life feel more challenging than expected. Many parents come to me because something isn’t quite adding up—perhaps your child is finding it hard to get to school, coming home upset, overwhelmed or angry, or showing signs of frustration that they can’t easily explain. You may also be noticing changes in their communication, confidence or willingness to talk about school. This process helps you understand why things may be difficult and what will genuinely help your child move forward with confidence.

 

What the assessment is for

A school-aged assessment helps you understand:

 

  • Your child’s learning and problem solving skills

  • More about your child’s current reading, writing and maths skills 

  • Their strengths, interests and the conditions in which they learn best

  • Any underlying needs that may be affecting their progress, confidence or wellbeing

  • How home and school experiences shape their learning and behaviour

  • What practical support will make a meaningful difference

  • It gives you reassurance, direction and a clear plan for next steps.

 

What the process looks like

 

1. Time with you to understand your child’s story

 

We begin with a warm, detailed conversation about your child’s development, daily life and the concerns that brought you here. I take time to understand their early experiences, what life looks like at home and what has helped or not helped so far. This forms the foundation for everything that follows.

 

2. Observation in school

 

I then visit school to observe your child in their everyday learning environment. Seeing how they respond to teaching, routines and peers—and hearing from staff about the strategies already in place—helps me understand how they learn, what affects them in the classroom and how their needs are currently being supported.

 

3. Two individual sessions with your child

 

I meet your child on two occasions so they have time to relax, feel safe and show me their true abilities. This extra time helps them feel more comfortable, more willing to take risks and better able to engage with the activities. It also allows me to explore a wider range of skills at a pace that feels manageable for them.

Across these sessions, I use a blend of standardised tests (such as WISC-V, WIAT-III and PhAB2) and non-standardised, exploratory activities. These help me understand their cognitive profile, learning skills, executive functioning, communication, sensory differences and their sense of themselves as a learner. This combination gives a rich, holistic picture of both their strengths and the areas where they may need support.

 

Clear, practical guidance

You’ll receive a detailed, thoughtful report that brings together all the evidence—home, school, observation and assessment. The report explains what the findings mean for your child’s learning and wellbeing, and why certain difficulties may be emerging.

 

The recommendations are specific, practical and designed to be used straight away. They may include:

 

  • Strategies for home and school that match your child’s learning profile

  • Adjustments to help them feel more confident and regulated in the classroom

  • Targeted interventions to support particular areas of need

  • Guidance for teachers on how to adapt teaching and expectations

  • Suggestions for further assessment or specialist input if helpful

  • Advice for exam access arrangements for older children

 

These recommendations are written so that you, your child’s school and any other professionals can clearly understand what will help and how to put it in place.

We then meet to talk through the findings and agree on next steps, ensuring you feel supported and confident moving forward.

 

Why parents find it helpful

Parents often describe the process as grounding and reassuring. It gives you:

 

  • A clearer understanding of your child’s strengths and needs

  • Practical ideas you can use straight away

  • Confidence in conversations with school

  • Support from someone who takes the time to truly understand your child

 

Above all, my assessments are holistic, child-centred and shaped by nearly 30 years of experience. I take the time to see your child as a whole person—so you can feel supported, informed and confident about the path ahead.

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