Why would my child need an assessment by a Private Educational Psychologist?

A Private Educational Psychologist, or Independent Educational Psychologist, is another choice available to parents who are concerned about their child’s development.

Children’s development varies and not all children achieve at the same rate. Some children may find some things hard such as: reading, spelling, writing, maths, speech and language, language and communication, making friends, coordination, sitting still and listening.

Some young people may be unhappy at school and may be underachieving. Parents may also be concerned that their child is very bright yet not reaching their full potential.

What does an assessment involve?

Prior to an assessment, I start by gaining as much information as possible from you as parents. This includes discussing your child’s strengths and weaknesses, early child development, any medical difficulties if relevant and their likes and dislikes. A parental contribution form is used to help structure this and is sent out prior to the assessment. If parental consent is given, additional information can be collected from school and perhaps, other professionals working with your child. Prior to the assessment, I send your child a letter introducing myself and explaining a little about what will happen.

I usually carry out the assessment at your child’s educational setting (often school) but also carry out assessments at their home if preferred. The whole process can take up to three hours but rest breaks are offered and the pace is determined by the young person. I use a range of standardised tests to help evaluate your child’s strengths and weaknesses. I also spend time observing your child’s learning style and evaluating their self esteem and motivation to learn.

I offer immediate face to face feedback with both school and parents, but I can also arrange a time to provide telephonic feedback.

What should I expect following the assessment?

Following the assessment, I provide you with a detailed psychological report which summarises the strengths and difficulties found, as well as recommendations of strategies to support. I also send a letter to your child outlining the strengths found from our time together as well as a number of strategies to adopt to support their learning. I offer a joint problem solving meeting in school as a follow up as well as a review.