Specialist Assessment Services

Exam Access Arrangement Assessments

Access Arrangements allow candidates/learners with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to access the assessment without changing the demands of the assessment. For example, readers, scribes and Braille question papers. In this way Awarding Bodies will comply with the duty of the Equality Act 2010 to make ‘reasonable adjustments’.

A wide range of tests will be used to determine the candidate’s needs, these can include areas of cognitive processing, writing speed, reading comprehension, vocabulary and spelling levels.

The testing will be completed by a qualified assessor who undergoes yearly training to stay fully up to date with the new Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) regulations. Evidence will be provided.

If you would like to talk to us about arranging an Exam Access Arrangement assessment, please submit an enquiry and we will be happy to help.

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SpLD (Dyslexia) Diagnostic Assessment (age 8+)

This assessment confirms if a person has dyslexia or not andprovides a picture of their specific strengths, challenges, and cognitiveprofile.

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which primarilyaffects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect theseskills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people mayhave difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, whichcan affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can alsoimpact on other areas such as organisational skills. It is important toremember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic peopleshow strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields.

There are several tools available that can be used to helpgive an indication of possible dyslexic difficulties. These screening tests andchecklists can be a great help in order to ensure support is put in placequickly, but they can't provide a diagnosis. Dyslexia can only be formallydiagnosed through a Diagnostic Assessment carried out by a certified assessor.

If someone is experiencing significant difficulties in theirstudy or in day-to-day life and would like to either find out more, or needsfurther support then a Diagnostic Assessment for Dyslexia or Dyscalculia canreally help. An assessment will provide a clearer picture of someone'scognitive profile and their strengths and challenges. This will help to ensurethat any support put in place is as effective as possible.  

Other common reasons for a Diagnostic Assessment forDyslexia or Dyscalculia are:

• To     apply for funded support at university known as Disabled Students'     Allowance (DSA).

• To     use as evidence for Exam Access Arrangements whilst studying at college,     university or for professional qualifications.

• To     apply for Exam Access Arrangements at school

• To     provide more information for employers so that they can make Reasonable     Adjustments for an employee with specific difficulties.

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Dyslexia can only be diagnosed through a DiagnosticAssessment.

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