All you need to know
Find answers to most common questions in clear topics, to help you understand the dyslexia diagnosis process, options, timelines, and next steps with clarity.

A formal diagnosis can open doors to a dyslexic child, such as:
- Exam access arrangements at GCSE, A-level, and beyond, giving your child a fair chance to show what they know.
- Additional support in school, tailored to how your child learns.
- A foundation for an EHC plan, if that’s the right path.
- Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) at university — potentially unlocking thousands of pounds worth of specialist support when they get there.
I am making any effort to keep the assessment cost as low as I can. The assessment fee covers:
- Business costs (qualification training, registration with PATOSS, indemnity and professional insurance, CPD, supervision, website, and taxes)
- Licenced SASC-approved equipment
- Venue
- About 10-12 assessor hours:
- Consultation and assessment preparations
- 3-4 hours of (unhurried) assessment
- Authoring a detailed personal report (not a template)
- Feedback conversation where needed
NOTE: A report that doesn’t meet the required standard gets rejected — and that means starting again, paying again, and losing time your child doesn’t have. I take the quality of every report seriously, because I know how important it is.
The day is structured to be calm, supportive, and tailored to your child’s individual needs. Your child will attend their assessment at the tuition centre.
Preparing for the Day:
- Ensure your child has had a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast.
- Bring any snacks or drinks your child may need, as there will be short breaks during the assessment.
- Comfortable clothing is recommended.
Meeting at the Tuition Centre:
- Please arrive at the tuition centre at the scheduled time. I will explain what will happen during the day and go through the assessment process with your child.
- Parents and Carers are welcome to wait in the designated area while your child completes the assessment. After the session, I will discuss any questions you may have and explain next steps.
The aim is to make the experience smooth and straightforward.
During the Assessment:
- The assessment will include a range of activities to assess reading, spelling, memory, processing speed, and other learning skills.
- The session can be adapted to your child’s needs, for example by:
- Breaking it into shorter sessions if needed
- Providing movement breaks and snacks
- Working at your child’s pace to ensure they feel comfortable and supported
- Important Note: A diagnosis will not be given on the day. Any conclusions and recommendations will be provided in the written assessment report afterwards.
- Support and Flexibility: Every child is different, and the assessment is designed to provide clear, accurate information about your child’s strengths and areas for support.
- The written report will outline any recommendations and next steps clearly and professionally.

Diagnostic assessments
My assessments go beyond identifying dyslexia and related learning needs, to provide clear, practical recommendations that are bespoke to each learner’s needs and can be confidently employed at school and at home. Each diagnostic report will provide a clear explanation of your child’s individual strengths and difficulties, as well as provide comprehensive and straightforward guidance and recommendations, to help parents and schools support your child’s education and wellbeing. If the assessment indicates evidence of dyslexia, this will be formally stated and supported within the report. The reports can be used as evidence for applications with the Disability Student Allowance (DSA) and formal applications for Exam Access Arrangements.
