Screening and psychometric assessment

Building a clearer picture of how your child learns

Assessment can help identify a learner’s strengths and areas where they may need additional support.

Face-to-face screening and assessment is available for children and young people aged 5–16, with the assessment approach selected according to the learner’s age and needs.

Screening:

This assesses:

• Picture Vocabulary: Measures oral vocabulary and reasoning (note: this specific test is not included in the calculation of the Dyslexia Risk Index).

• Letter and Word Choice: Assesses foundational orthographic processing and word recognition.

• Word or Question Reading Fluency: Evaluates timed reading efficiency and comprehension under pressure

• Phonological awareness - the ability to accurately identify, discriminate between and manipulate the separate units of sounds in words. 

This can be used to give an indication of the risk of dyslexia. 

What happens after the screening?

You will receive feedback explaining the findings in clear, accessible language.

This will include:

• An emailed copy of the screening results

• Verbal feedback to explain the findings

• Recommendations about next steps

Psychometric Learning Assessment:

Areas that may be explored

• Phonological awareness - exploring how a learner recognises and works with the sounds in spoken words.

• Working memory - exploring the ability to hold and work with information over a short period of time.

• Processing speed - exploring the speed and efficiency with which information can be processed.

• Handwriting - where appropriate, handwriting speed and related skills can be assessed.

 Standardised assessment tools may include DASH, CTTOP and TOD, where appropriate for the learner’s age and assessment needs.

What happens after the psychometric assessment?

You will receive feedback explaining the findings in clear, accessible language.

Recommendations may include:

• Areas to focus on in teaching

• Strategies to support learning at home and school

• Suggestions for classroom support

• Areas that may benefit from further investigation

• Recommended next steps

Early Years & Younger Learners

Supporting children from age 5

Early identification of literacy difficulties and early intervention are essential to make sure children receive appropriate support as soon as possible.

Dyslexia screenings can be offered to children as young as 5 years old.

Assessment can also focus on your child's developing literacy and underlying learning skills rather than attempting to provide a formal dyslexia diagnosis.

Assessment may include:

• Dyslexia screenings

• Early phonological awareness

• Phonics

• Letter-sound knowledge

• Early reading

• Early spelling

• Language and vocabulary

What happens after assessment?

You will receive feedback explaining the findings in clear, accessible language.

Recommendations may include:

• Areas to focus on in teaching

• Strategies to support learning at home and school

• Suggestions for classroom support

• Areas that may benefit from further investigation

• Recommended next steps