Question 1

When might a SENCO or school recommend a dyslexia assessment?

Accepted Answer

A diagnostic assessment may be appropriate where there are persistent concerns about reading and/or spelling, including accuracy, fluency or efficiency. A pupil does not necessarily need to be working below age-related expectations, as some pupils develop effective strategies that mask underlying difficulties.

Question 2

Can a pupil be dyslexic if they are academically able?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dyslexia occurs across the full range of intellectual abilities. Some pupils achieve well academically yet continue to experience difficulties with reading fluency, spelling, efficiency or the effort required to complete literacy-based tasks.

Question 3

What information from school is helpful before an assessment?

Accepted Answer

Information from schools provides valuable evidence about how a pupil's strengths and difficulties present in the classroom. Helpful information may include teacher observations, literacy development, attainment data, interventions, response to support, access arrangements and normal ways of working.

Question 4

What does a dyslexia assessment explore?

Accepted Answer

A dyslexia assessment considers a range of areas including reading, spelling, literacy skills, language skills and relevant cognitive processing skills. Findings are considered alongside developmental history, educational history and the impact of any identified difficulties.

Question 5

Are assessments carried out in line with current professional guidance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Assessments are carried out in accordance with current SASC guidance, professional standards and recognised assessment practices. Diagnostic decisions are based on evidence gathered across the entire assessment process rather than a single score or test result.

Question 6

What recognised assessment tools are used?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate recognised standardised assessment tools are selected based on the individual pupil, referral concerns and the information provided before assessment. Assessment is individualised rather than relying on one fixed set of tests.

Question 7

Can the report be used when considering examination access arrangements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The report can provide relevant specialist assessment evidence when a school or college is considering access arrangements. However, a diagnosis of dyslexia does not automatically entitle a pupil to additional arrangements such as extra time. Current JCQ requirements must still be followed.

Question 8

Can the assessment support the completion of JCQ Form 8?

Accepted Answer

Where appropriate and consistent with JCQ requirements, relevant sections of Form 8 may be completed. Evidence of professional qualifications and a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) can also be provided where required.

Question 9

What information does the assessment report provide?

Accepted Answer

The report provides a detailed explanation of the pupil's learning profile, bringing together background information, assessment findings and professional observations. It identifies strengths and areas of difficulty, provides a diagnostic conclusion where appropriate and includes tailored recommendations.

Question 10

How can schools use the recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Recommendations can help inform teaching approaches, intervention planning, study strategies, support arrangements and consideration of reasonable adjustments. Recommendations are designed to be practical and relevant to the individual pupil's needs.

Question 11

Can a school or SENCO contact AYLD before making a referral?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a SENCO or school is unsure whether a diagnostic assessment would be an appropriate next step, they are welcome to make contact to discuss the referral concerns, educational history and support already provided.

Question 12

Can schools contact AYLD after an assessment has been completed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where appropriate consent is in place, clarification can be provided regarding assessment findings, recommendations and the nature or scope of the assessment report.

Schools & SENCO's

UK-Wide Dyslexia and Learning Difference Assessments

Schools & SENCO's

Frequently Asked Questions