Educational psychologist assessments for children and young people (6 years+)
Dr Aimee Swithenbank is a HCPC registered educational psychologist (EP) and the Director of Swithenbank Psychology Ltd. She provides comprehensive assessments to identify the learning needs of children. Based on the assessment findings, she provides highly tailored advice to help the child make progress and alleviate any challenges they may be facing with their learning and access to education.
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Assessments are holistic and can cover a range of child development factors which can impact on learning and access to education, such as:
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cognitive (thinking) and problem-solving skills;
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literacy and dyslexia;
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maths and dyscalculia;
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processing speed and working memory skills;
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handwriting skills;
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attention, executive functioning and self-regulation when learning;
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social communication differences;
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emotional factors affecting learning (such as low self-esteem and high anxiety).
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A core part of the EP assessment is academic and cognitive testing, which is carried out via a series of short interactive activities on the iPad. Other assessments/informal activities may be completed as deemed necessary. This may include questionnaires, drawing activities, and talking with the child about their strengths, challenges and views on school. ​
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Assessment fee - £1000
This includes pre-reading of any reports and background information, liaison with the school, an individual assessment, a parent meeting, and substantial report writing time.
Full payment is required to make a booking.
How we work and what to expect
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Before the assessment, parents and school are invited to complete a background questionnaire. This helps Dr Swithenbank plan an assessment that addresses the presenting concerns. ​
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The individual assessment takes about 2 hours, but this varies as the pace is set by the child. They have the opportunity to break as many times as needed.
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Immediately after the assessment Dr Swithenbank holds a feedback meeting with parents to discuss the initial findings. For remote assessments, the feedback meeting is held about a week later.
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Within 2 to 3 weeks of the assessment, Dr Swithenbank will email parents a copy of the written report, which is a comprehensive document detailing the assessment findings and highly tailored advice/strategies for parents and school to implement.
FAQ's
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes. Dr Swithenbank does not see children under 6 years old in clinic.
Will my child receive a diagnosis?
Where there is evidence from within the assessment, Dr Swithenbank can formally diagnose a specific learning difficulty. A diagnosis is not a guaranteed outcome of an assessment.
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Will my child's school accept the report?
Schools cannot refuse to accept a report from a HCPC registered psychologist on the basis that it was privately commissioned.
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Can I submit the report with an application for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA)?
Yes. However, if an EHCNA is agreed, then the LA are legally responsible for seeking Psychological Advice from a psychologist who should normally be provided by the LA (SEND Code of Practice). Psychological Advice is a special type of report used to inform an EHCP and in which there are stipulations on what the psychologist providing the Psychological Advice must include.
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How long is the assessment?
Approximately 2 hours, but this varies as the pace it set by the child.
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How much does an assessment cost?
£1000. This includes pre-reading of any reports and background information, liaison with the school, an individual assessment with the child, a parent meeting and substantial report writing time.
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When will I receive the report?
Within 2 to 3 weeks of the assessment.
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Do you involve the school?
Yes. With your permission, we ask the teacher/SENCo to complete a short background questionnaire before the appointment.
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Do you have a waiting list?
No. We do not operate a waiting list. Please email us for appointment availability.
Do you offer an expert witness/tribunal service?
No. Dr Swithenbank does not offer an expert witness service/work with lawyers to prepare a report for the SEND tribunal and appeals. ​​​
Contact Us
aimee@swithenbankpsychology.co.uk
For all new enquiries, the best way to contact Dr Swithenbank is by email.
​In your email please include your name, the age of the person to be assessed, a brief outline of your concerns and the type of work you are interested in.
Parent
"I experienced a very professional and compassionate approach by Aimee to the assessment of my son. She gave a helpful feedback session and comprehensive report which we were able to share with the school. I would recommend Aimee to any parents who are seeking an assessment to understand and support their child’s needs within an education setting."
Parent
"Honestly I couldn’t be happier with the service provided. Professional from start to end, the whole process felt easy and most importantly my son was comfortable and at ease. The report was very thorough and helped myself and others understand his way of learning. I would definitely recommend your services and just wish I had done it sooner."
Parent
"Very knowledgeable assessment carried out. Was very happy to leave my child for the assessment. Excellent feedback and detailed report."
