What is an Educational Psychology Assessment for Children?

Chartered Educational Psychologist, Hannah Abrahams, explains the educational psychology assessments for Children and Adolescents offered by The Soke’s Educational Psychologists.

When should a child be referred to an Educational Psychologist?

Children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties can benefit from educational psychological assessments utilising the specialist skills of The Soke’s Educational Psychologists, to identify dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia, for example.

How can a child be referred to an Educational Psychologist?

A parent can initiate a referral; however, it is helpful to do this in conjunction with the school. The Soke’s extensive outreach platform, Soke Education, operates in some of London’s leading independent schools. As such, the clinicians at The Soke are skillful in working collaboratively with educational establishments, connecting parents, teachers and students to support a joined-up mental health model.  This type of working partnership ensures a positive and successful outcome for all involved.

What to expect from an educational psychology assessment for children and adolescents?

By working through bespoke assessments, a process of consultation and observation, the goal is to gain a full and holistic view of the child.

The private educational assessment can last up to 3 hours and will be held in-person at The Soke, known for its non-clinical environment. The Educational Psychologist works directly with children and young people, together with their parents and schools throughout the processes of consultation, assessment and intervention.

There are questionnaires required prior to the assessment, one for parents to complete and another for the school. The Educational Psychologist will also consider school reports.

The assessment includes a follow-up appointment with the parents before the report is completed.

What tests are used for the educational psychology assessment?

A bespoke range of educational psychological assessments are used in order to identify the current cognitive and emotional development of the child.

The objective is to build a holistic and clear understanding of the current needs of the child, and how to support them in reaching their potential.

How long does it take to produce the educational assessment report?

On average it takes around 2 – 3 weeks for the report to be written.

After completion of the tests, an appointment (which is included as part of the assessment) will be arranged with the parents to gain additional information and share findings and considerations before a report is written. Following the session, the Educational Psychologist will write the report, which is then shared with the parents, who in turn share the report with the school.

Outcomes of an educational psychology assessment for children  

Following the assessment, a comprehensive report is generated which will include details about the tests, results, summarised conclusions of a child’s strengths and challenges as well as guidelines to support the child.

What can an Educational Psychology Assessment diagnose?

The assessment will be able to inform strategies and include recommendations related to the social, emotional and educational needs of a child, in order to overcome difficulties in learning and development.

An Educational Psychologists is able to identify specific learning difficulties including diagnosis of dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.

Where traits of autism can be identified, the Educational Psychologist can assess the special educational needs of children and then refer the child for further assessment with another expert clinician at The Soke, a mental health clinic that offers a client-led, outcome-focused model.

Processing disorders, memory difficulties and social communication difficulties can also be identified by the Educational Psychologist.

With any concerns that a child may have attention and listening difficulties presenting as ADHD, the Educational Psychologist can work together with a psychiatrist at The Soke, where the private mental health clinic adopts a multi-disciplinary approach.

The report will include supportive, specific and applicable recommendations for both home and school which can then be implemented in a collaborative approach in conjunction with parents and schools to help the child reach their potential in all aspects of their development.

If you have concerns about your child’s learning and development and would like to find out how one of our Educational Psychologist can assist, please contact The Soke’s Client Services Team.