Deborah Cobbing

Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) have remarkable strengths and abilities, such as design, problem solving, creative skills, interactive skills and oral skills, so much so that dyslexic thinking is now recognised as a vital skill by LinkedIn. A dyslexia assessment will highlight a student’s strengths, alongside helping them to understand challenges they are facing. A diagnostic report will give recommendations for support at school, university and at home. It will also encourage students and educators to recognise and build on their much sought-after talents and abilities, seeking to end negative learning cycles and propel positive cycles of opportunity, celebration and success.

I am making an exciting move towards tests which make better links between assessment and intervention. Progressing away from ideas of fixed ability, these tests will examine cognitive processes which are open to change, thus identifying clearer pathways for intervention.

Assessments are usually offered from age 8 onwards to comply with the SASC guidelines (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee), which is the governing body for specialist teacher assessors.  A needs-based assessment for a younger student may be possible if it is clearly in the child’s best interest.

£575

A short assessment offering a 2-page report with recommendations. This assessment can be used to support exam access arrangement applications and/or a future diagnosis where appropriate.

£225

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a common condition affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination. Students may present with difficulties with writing, typing and organisation as well as other educational and recreational activities. A DCD / Dyspraxia assessment can formally diagnose this medical condition in those over the age of 16.

£200 with a full diagnostic assessment.

As with other SpLDs, individuals with ADHD can show considerable strengths alongside difficulties. Strengths may include the ability to hyperfocus, as well creativity, imagination and problem solving. It’s important to build upon individual strengths, as well as manage difficulties whilst recognising the mental health impacts of ADHD. Common ADHD symptoms include persistent difficulties with memory, inattention, focus, time management, impulse control and emotional regulation. An ADHD assessment will include an in-depth diagnostic interview and can formally report strong indicators of ADHD in those over 16, enabling students to access funding and specialist ADHD support in education. ADHD assessments can also lead to a professional referral for further assessment. This assessment will not give a definitive ADHD diagnosis. It is a comprehensive, practical assessment that can support students in hands-on, useful ways, with a focus on metacognition.

£200 with a full diagnostic assessment

This assessment looks at each student’s unique learning profile by exploring their strengths and the areas where they may need more support. It helps to understand approaches to learning tasks and what might make learning easier or more challenging. The results provide personalised recommendations that can support students with a wide range of specific learning differences (SpLDs) and neurodiverse profiles, helping them feel more confident to succeed in their learning.

£300

Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with one or more other developmental difficulties. A dyslexia assessment can also lead to a professional referral for investigation into developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, ADHD, or developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia. Parents and/or students are involved throughout so that they can choose the pathway in their own, or their child’s, best interest.

Visual disturbances can occur in both individuals with and without dyslexia. While they are not a feature of dyslexia, they can impact reading. Therefore, you or your child must have had a standard NHS eye test within the last two years before the assessment takes place. I am not able to assess visual difficulties, so when you book an assessment, I will ask a few questions about vision. If visual issues are still frequent, a re-referral to an optometrist for further investigation will be necessary. Please be aware that the assessment might need to be postponed until any visual concerns are fully addressed.

An experienced primary school teacher, SENCO and study skills tutor of students aged 9-18, I offer limited 1:1 tailored tuition that draws upon students’ strengths to overcome gaps and misconceptions. A qualified user of the Dyslexia Institute Literacy Programme and experienced study skills tutor, I offer a blend of phonics, spelling and grammar rules and metacognitive study skills, alongside knowledge of curriculum progression, exam board specifications or advanced essay writing skills for university, delivered though multisensory fun and games.

£65 per session

I also offer a short series of support sessions on planning, prioritising and procrastination. Sessions look at strategies for managing workload and overcoming exam worry.

£65 per session

A level 7 SpLD assessor with an APC, I am qualified to carry out JCQ exam access arrangements. I also offer support with Form 8s, online applications, collating evidence, regulations, screening and policy.

£385 per day

Bespoke inset training on a range of SpLDs, helping teachers to identify and support students in the classroom with practical tips and advice.

Price on application.

I offer professional mentoring for dyslexia assessors looking to improve or update their practice. Find my credentials at (24) Deborah Cobbing | LinkedIn. I cover:

• SASC guidance & regulations
• Test choices
• Recommendations
• JCQ regulations
• DSA reports
• APC renewals
• AI dos and don’ts
• DDC and ADHD at HE
• Ethical considerations
• Policy and safe practice

£170 for a 2-hour personalised course with input and/or feedback.