Private Dyslexia Assessments in Kent & Essex

What age can you assess? 

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The earliest age that a child can be formally assessed for dyslexia is age 8. 

The earliest age that a child can be formally assessed for dyslexia is age 8. If you are unsure whether your child is ready, a short phone call can help clarify whether an assessment is appropriate now or whether it may be better to wait.

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Every child develops at their own pace, and I am happy to talk this through with you honestly and sensitively.

 

How long does the assessment take? 

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The assessment itself takes approximately 2 and a half hours. 

The length of the assessment depends on your child’s age and individual needs, but typically the assessment lasts around 2 and a half hours. Sessions are planned carefully so they are manageable and not overwhelming.

 

I work flexibly, allowing breaks when needed, and ensuring your child remains comfortable and engaged throughout. This helps me gain a true picture of how your child learns, rather than how they cope under pressure.

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Will my child find it stressful? 

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Most children do not find the assessment stressful. My priority is to help your child feel relaxed and at ease from the moment I arrive.

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The sessions are not tests, and they are very different from a school environment. There is no pressure to 'get things right' and no pass or fail. I take time to build rapport, explain activities in a child-friendly way, and work at your child’s pace. Many children are surprised by how calm and supportive the experience feels, and often leave feeling more confident rather than anxious. Many even say they enjoyed it! 

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Is it a test or like school work? 

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No. The assessment does not feel like a school test.

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Activities are presented in a supportive, conversational way and are designed to explore how your child processes information, not to judge their ability or effort. There is no expectation to perform, and children are reassured throughout.

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Do schools accept the report? 

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The assessment results in a clear, detailed written report with practical recommendations that schools can use to support your child.

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I aim to write reports in a way that is accessible, informative and helpful, focusing on understanding your child’s learning profile and outlining realistic next steps for both home and school.

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What happens after the assessment? 

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After the assessment, you will receive a written diagnostic report explaining the findings clearly and sensitively.

I will talk you through the results and recommendations, ensuring you understand what they mean for your child and what support may be helpful going forward. Many parents find this part especially reassuring, as it brings clarity and direction.

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Do I need a referral from the school? 

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No referral is needed. Parents often contact me directly because they have concerns, questions, or feel something is not quite clicking for their child.

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If your child’s school is already involved, the assessment can help provide further clarity and support constructive conversations moving forward.

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How soon can we book? 

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Availability varies, but I aim to be flexible where possible.

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The best first step is to book a free call so that we can discuss your concerns and look at suitable next steps together. This also helps ensure that an assessment is the right option for your child at this stage.

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What if I'm not sure if an assessment is the right step?

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That’s completely understandable. Many parents feel unsure at first.

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A free, no-pressure conversation can help you explore your options and decide whether an assessment is appropriate now, later, or whether another form of support may be more helpful. There is no obligation to proceed.

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