CHILD ASSESSMENT WITH CARE AND EXPERTISE

Child assessment is the process during which I use my professional expertise and knowledge to assess, identify, and provide a formal written report on the child’s strengths, learning difficulties, social, emotional needs, and general development. I can also advise on the impact these factors may be having on the child’s developmental progress both at home and at school.

Work With Me To Better Understand Your Child’s Needs Early​

Early identification and intervention of a child’s strengths and weaknesses is important to my practice. This process involves effective assessment and collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other professionals.
Identifying your child’s needs at an early stage can have a significant impact on their development, especially if they face difficulties with verbal communication, learning, behavioural issues, social and emotional challenges, both at home and school, for a prolonged period. The earlier the issue is identified, the easier it is to address, and the better the outcome will be.
By scheduling a consultation with me, you’ll gain a better understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges and receive the support you need to feel confident, reassured, and in safe hands. During the consultation process, parents will receive valuable insights, and practical strategies on how to support their child’s well-being. An agreed action plan will be created, which may require further family interventions that we will work on through a series of consultation sessions. The action plan may also require further assessment of your child at school, as well as a concise and accessible consultation summary report. In some cases, a referral to other health and care professionals may be necessary.

The process for an Education & Health Care Needs Assessment

ehcp

Parents contact me via email with a brief description of what they are looking for. Then we briefly discuss their concerns over the phone and I sent a request form for EP involvement in which they fill in the child’s information. Parents are also sent a confidentiality form to sign for GDPR purposes the terms and conditions.

This process involves an initial interview virtually or face-to-face with parents regarding the developmental history of the child, their performance and behaviour in school, their strengths, difficulties, and any other concerns parents have.

I observe the child in the classroom and playground to gain an understanding of a child’s behaviour and attitude to learning, interactions, and classroom observation.

I work with the child in a quiet area in school and carry out a detailed assessment using a wide range of assessment tools such as a cognitive standardized assessment, screening questionnaires, pupil interviews and drawing tests. Before my visit to school questionnaires may be sent to parents and teachers to complete depending on the child’s needs.

In this meeting, we explore the child’s difficulties holistically ensuring that a shared understanding of the child’s needs is established through joint problem-solving. We discuss the EP assessment results alongside school-based evidence and we work together on the identification of the child’s needs, and strengths and working together on support arrangements, strategies, and programs of intervention to support the child in the school context.

Parents and schools have the opportunity to ask questions to understand the child’s strengths and areas for further improvement. Parents can have a separate meeting with me before the meeting with the school if they wish, especially if they want to share a piece of confidential information with me.

My report involves a thorough analysis of my assessment which includes:

  • A brief history of the child
  • The child’s views, hopes, and aspirations
  • The views and expectations of parents
  • The views and expectations of school
  • Strengths and difficulties alongside the assessment results in all areas of development which are:
  • • Communication and Interaction
    • Cognition and Learning
    • Social, emotional, and mental health needs
    • Sensory and Physical Needs
  • The outcomes, strategies and intervention programs in each of the areas described above
  • Advice and recommendations for parents and school staff.

A review meeting will be arranged within a period of 6 months to a year to discuss the child’s progress in school.

Early years

If you have concerns about your child’s development I provide a thorough assessment under a holistic framework using play-based, dynamic assessment and screening questionnaires to explore the child’s strengths, difficulties, or specific needs. I also support Nursery staff and parents with advice, recommendations, and play-based learning interventions.

School age to adolescence

If you have concerns about your child’s progress regarding their learning, social, and emotional well-being I provide a thorough assessment of their thinking and learning skills and other components of their cognitive ability such as working memory, processing speed, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. I also administer screening assessments for Autistic Spectrum Conditions, social communication difficulties and anxiety.

For children who are 14 years old and above my assessment and written report is based on the principles of preparing for adulthood which are:

  • Developing Independent Living Skills.
  • Good Health and Wellbeing.
  • Friendships, Relationships and Community.
  • Education, Life/Employment Skills.

Contact me to book a consultation and assessment for your child

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