Assessments

Full Dyslexia Diagnostic Assessments

At Robbins Specialist Assessment, I conduct comprehensive dyslexia diagnostic assessments for children and young people aged 8 to 16. Each assessment involves a rigorous battery of standardised measures designed to evaluate underlying cognitive abilities, literacy attainment in reading, spelling, and writing, and a spectrum of phonological processing skills, including phonological awareness, phonological memory, and phonological processing speed. In addition, the assessment examines working memory, processing speed, and orthographic skills, providing a detailed and nuanced profile of each learner’s strengths and areas of difficulty.

The assessment typically takes between three and four hours to complete and can be conducted over two sessions if preferred, ensuring that each learner is able to perform at their best.

Following the assessment, you will receive a detailed, professionally written report that outlines the learner’s strengths and areas of difficulty, alongside targeted recommendations for support both in school and at home. The report identifies appropriate interventions, strategies to further develop key skills, and, where relevant, provides evidence-based recommendations for Exam Access Arrangements.

All reports are produced in accordance with current SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee) guidelines, ensuring the highest level of professional accuracy and compliance.

Mini Dyslexia Assessments

At Robbins Specialist Assessment, I offer mini dyslexia assessments for children and young people aged 8 to 16 who may have a Specific Learning Difficulty and would benefit from preliminary insight prior to undertaking a full diagnostic assessment.

Mini assessments provide a shorter, more cost-effective alternative to a comprehensive evaluation, while still offering valuable information about a learner’s profile. The assessment includes a targeted selection of standardised tests assessing underlying cognitive ability, literacy attainment in reading and spelling, and key areas of cognitive processing.

Following the assessment, you will receive a clear, professionally written report highlighting the learner’s strengths and areas for development. The report includes evidence-based recommendations for support, strategies to enhance skills, and, where appropriate, guidance regarding Exam Access Arrangements.

Exam Access Arrangements

At Robbins Specialist Assessment, I am committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their potential through appropriate support and provision. An Exam Access Arrangements (EAA) assessment is conducted when a student requires a formal evaluation to determine eligibility for examination accommodations. These assessments are specifically tailored to the access arrangement(s) requested by the school or college, and typically do not involve a full evaluation of the student’s underlying cognitive ability.

It is essential that schools and colleges are actively involved in the EAA process, in accordance with current legislation and JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) requirements. JCQ guidance stipulates that the determination of exam access arrangements should be a collaborative process between the educational setting and the specialist assessor. Any recommended arrangements must reflect the student’s documented history of need (Form 8, Part 1) and their normal way of working.

At Robbins Specialist Assessment, I provide professional guidance on relevant and appropriate EAAs based on assessment outcomes. However, the ultimate responsibility for deciding which arrangements to request and for submitting documentation to the awarding body rests with the school or college.

Each assessment includes:

  • A summary of the assessments administered

  • A table of formal test results

  • A detailed explanation and interpretation of results

  • An analysis of the student’s strengths and areas for development

  • Recommendations for potential exam access arrangements

  • Completion of JCQ Form 8 where required

All testing and recommendations for exam concessions are conducted in strict accordance with JCQ regulations, ensuring compliance and best practice.

Specialist Dyslexia Teaching

At Robbins Specialist Assessment, I provide specialist one-to-one dyslexia tuition using a structured, multisensory approach, informed by the evidence-based Conquering Literacy programme by Kelly and Phillips. Each session is carefully tailored to the individual learner’s profile, with a focus on developing core literacy skills, enhancing cognitive processing, and fostering confidence and independence in learning.

Sessions may include targeted support in areas such as:

  • Alphabet and dictionary-based activities to reinforce foundational literacy

  • Memory development and cognitive training exercises

  • Phonics instruction and decoding strategies

  • Reading comprehension and fluency practice

  • Writing and spelling skill development

  • Handwriting refinement and fine motor support

  • Study skills, organisation, and independent learning strategies

The aim of this specialist tuition is to equip learners with practical, transferable strategies that address specific learning difficulties while promoting self-efficacy and academic achievement.