Assessments for
Children
I'm a learning detective & my job is to understand how people learn. Your child will be able to give me clues about their learning by doing some puzzles & quizzes and some schooly-like tasks like reading, writing & sums.
Understanding Your Child
Possibly the most important element of foundational understanding, taking time to understand your child is really important.
Children come for assessments for lots of different reasons, some for reading, spelling, maths, attention/organisation issues, and often a combination of these. Sometimes concerns are picked up by parents, sometimes by teachers, sometimes by the child themselves.
You might be seeing your child "work harder” than their peers or siblings without the same rewards. That can impact their confidence & behaviour, making an assessment that explores strength and difficulties administered in an age-appropriate, respectful & warm manner, not just beneficial, but very important.
My Process & How I work
To get the absolute most out of this process, I strongly recommend that parents take the time to read the below.
1. Pre Assessment
Parent and Child
Parents can accompany their young person into the room & help ensure they are settled as the assessment is explained. I typically ask parents to explain why they thought coming to see me was a good idea.
This is an opportunity to "set the stage" for honesty and worries, and helps make the child feel safe and known.
Getting Started
I invite the young person to ask me anything they'd like to know. My approach is grounded in psychological understanding. I understand that this can seem daunting for your child and I make a special effort to make them comfortable.
2. The Assessment
What happens During the Assessment?
The assessment itself involves a combination of discussion, problem-solving tasks and academic activities relating to areas such as reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, processing speed, memory and Maths.
The process is designed to feel conversational, collaborative and supportive rather than like an “exam”.
Consent and Collaboration
While parents may initiate the referral, the young person themselves is always invited to give informed consent. Your child is encouraged to ask questions, express concerns and take an active role in understanding why the assessment is taking place.
3. Feedback & Report
The Report
A draft report is typically provided within approximately 2–3 weeks of assessment and payment of fees. Following review and agreement with parents, a final report is issued which may then be shared with the school or other relevant professionals if desired.
Feedback
Feedback is provided following the assessment, with an opportunity to discuss findings, recommendations and any questions arising.
My Process & How I work
To get the absolute most out of this process, I strongly recommend that parents take the time to read the below.
1. Pre Assessment
Parent and Child
Parents can accompany their young person into the room & help ensure they are settled as the assessment is explained.
I typically ask parents to explain why they thought coming to see me was a good idea. This is an opportunity to "set the stage" for honesty and worries, and helps make the child feel safe and known.
Getting Started
I invite the young person to ask me anything they'd like to know.
My approach is grounded in psychological understanding.
I understand that this can seem daunting for your child and I make a special effort to make them comfortable.
2. The Assessment
What happens During the Assessment?
The assessment itself involves a combination of discussion, problem-solving tasks and academic activities relating to areas such as reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, processing speed, memory and Maths.
The process is designed to feel conversational, collaborative and supportive rather than like an “exam”.
Consent and Collaboration
While parents may initiate the referral, the young person themselves is always invited to give informed consent once the assessment process has been explained in an age-appropriate and transparent way.
Your child is encouraged to ask questions, express concerns and take an active role in understanding why the assessment is taking place.
3. Feedback & Report
The Report
A draft report is typically provided within approximately 2–3 weeks of assessment and payment of fees. Following review and agreement with parents, a final report is issued which may then be shared with the school or other relevant professionals if desired.
Where appropriate, assessment findings may also help support applications for Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations (RACE) and/or the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) for third-level entry.
Feedback
Feedback is provided following the assessment, with an opportunity to discuss findings, recommendations and any questions arising.
My Process & How I work
To get the absolute most out of this process, I strongly recommend that parents take the time to read the below.
1. The Prep Phase
Pre-Consultation Questionnaire
Parents are asked to complete a detailed background questionnaire and consent forms in advance of the appointment.
With consent, it is also helpful for a subject teacher, year head or learning support teacher to complete a brief questionnaire regarding the young person’s experience in school. While this is not compulsory, it often provides valuable additional context.
Preparing Your Teenager
I often explain that my role is a little like being a “learning detective” - working together with them to better understand their strengths, challenges and learning style. There are no “pass” or “fail” outcomes, and many young people find the process far less stressful than they expected.
A calm evening beforehand, along with good sleep and a relaxed start to the morning, will help the young person feel more settled.
2. The Assessment
What happens During the Assessment?
The assessment itself involves a combination of discussion, problem-solving tasks and academic activities relating to areas such as reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, processing speed, memory and Maths.The process is designed to feel conversational, collaborative and supportive rather than like an “exam”.
Note: Consent and Collaboration
While parents may initiate the referral, the young person themselves is always invited to give informed consent once the assessment process has been explained in an age-appropriate and transparent way.Teenagers are encouraged to ask questions, express concerns and take an active role in understanding why the assessment is taking place.
3. Report & Feedback
The Report
A draft report is typically provided within approximately 2–3 weeks of assessment and payment of fees. Following review and agreement with parents, a final report is issued which may then be shared with the school or other relevant professionals if desired.
Feedback
Feedback is provided following the assessment, with an opportunity to discuss findings, recommendations and any questions arising.Lorem ipsum is the standard placeholder text used in publishing and web design. Lorem ipsum is the standard placeholder text used in publishing and web design.
Preparing for the Assessment
Children especially benefit hugely from being prepared ahead of time. Here is some guidance that I recommend to all participants.
The Week Before
In my experience it is important to communicate positively about the assessment 4-7 days before coming in. Let them know that during the assessment you will wait outside, or once agreed with your child, that you will head out for a coffee or a walk, returning at an agreed time.
The Night Before
Have a good night's sleep. Try to make sure that the evening before the assessment is calm with as much sleep as possible. You can show them the video of the room. Have had a good nights sleep the night before. Try to make sure that they are fed, being hungry doesn’t help! Arrive 5 minutes early so that they are not rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-visit CHECKLIST
Have had a good nights sleep the night before
Eat beforehand, don't be hungry!
Wear comfortable clothes if possible
Arrive 5 minutes early so that you are not rushing.
How Long is the assessment?
Assessment appts take 2 hours. This includes a welcome and time to settle in, approximately a 90 minute assessment and 30 mins feedback.
Cost of Assessments
Cost of assessments are shared via email during the booking process.
Accreditation
I am an accredited Chartered Psychologist with The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and an Accredited Integrative Psychotherapist with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), and Accredited EMDR therapist with EMDR All Ireland.
Cancellation Policy
I understand that life can be unpredictable and plans sometimes need to change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, I ask for at least 48 hours' notice.
The reason for this is that I have a waiting list and with 48 hours notice I can fit another client in, I'm sure you will appreciate this.
Confidentiality
All consultations, assessments, and session records are strictly confidential and protected by professional standards. Because educational psychology often involves supporting a child's learning environment, we may discuss sharing specific insights or strategies with teachers or schools - but this is only done with your explicit knowledge and written consent.
A comprehensive report is written to reflect the findings and recommendations, It is at the discretion of the parents/individual to choose with whom they share the report. I do not directly send the report to anyone else.
Are your reports accepted by the Department of Education / HSE?
The tests used are the approved and up-to-date tests. Report findings are recognised by the Department of Education and HSE, but often additional screenings/scores are required in the school setting also.
The reports help inform supports, not dictate them.
Contact Form
Please include a detailed message of what you would like help with.
