What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s learning, language or development?

First of all you may wish to complete our short on line assessment. This will help give us an idea of what your concerns are so that we can best advise on the way forward. We may advise that your child is assessed by the appropriate professional in order to establish what his or her needs are and how we can best help. We offer quality, unbiased and independant advice. We can also help with school related issues and work directly with staff in your child's school or nursery. You may find an initial telephone conversation or one to one consultation with our lead psychologist helpful before deciding whether a full assessment is required.

 

You can also email London Child Psychology Practice at info@londonchildpsychologypractice.com and we will get back to you, either on line or by phone.

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Does my child need an assessment and what does it include?

It may be that an assessment would be helpful for your child. The assessment helps us find out the exact nature of your child's strengths and difficulties and allows us to advise on how your child can be best helped to succeed. Assessments take different forms depending on the nature of the concerns, your child's needs and the most helpful outcome.

 

If your child requires a learning assessment, either to identify and confirm particular talents or areas of weakness, this is usually carried out  by an Educational Psychologist. This usually involves a detailed examination of your child's cognitive abilities, academic attainments in literacy and numeracy, and diagnostic tests where appropriate.

 

It may be most appropriate for your child to be seen by a Speech and Language Therapist. Our Therapist may examine your child’s expressive and receptive language skills, i.e. their understanding and their use of language and/or other aspects of communication, social interaction and attention.

 

If your child is being seen by an Occupational Therapist, relevant assessmentsmay be undertaken to look at, for example, your child's mobility, coordination, fine and gross motor skills and sensory profile.  

 

As your child is a unique individual we customise our asessment process to their individual needs. This may involve joint professional assessments providing a wealth of information on your child's abilities and development. We also gather information from parents about their child and sometimes from schools. We may use interviews or  pre assessment questionnaires. Where appropraite we also consider other professional reports when available. Observations of your child in their school or nursery environment can be carried out which allows us to see how your child operates and learns in their usual learning environment.

 

The nature and duration of therapeutic work and counselling is discussed and agreed on an individual basis with the family. 

 

Will I get a report?

Following assessment you will recieve a report. This will detail relevant background, include information about tests that were used, summarise results and analyse your child's performance. The report will also detail the findings of the assessment and detail recommendations for supporting your child. The aim of the report is to provide parents and other adults working with your child information that will help in understanding your child’s strengths and needs so that they can be best supported and directed to make progress and succeed.

 

In the case of interventions that are therapeutic, summary reports and/or letters are distributed on a regular basis, depending on the duration of the work. 

 

How much does an assessment cost?

Costs vary according to the nature of the difficulty and the form of assessment and work required. London Child Psychology Practice offers competitive prices for parents wishing to have their child independantly assessed and all costs are discussed and agreed prior to undertaking work. We are also able to advise parents in such instances where it is appopriate for their child to be assessed by a Local Authority Psychologist or NHS therapist, free of charge. We can supply details of the cost of an assessment or other form of work when you contact us. 

 

Where will my child be assessed?

Assessment can take place at our practice, your home or at your child's school or nursery, depending on what is most comfortable and conveneient for you and your child. Our experienced professionals endevour to ensure your child is relaxed and comfortable throughout an assessment and that you and their views are taken into account at all times. Remote assessments are also available.

Do I need to let the school know that my child is going to see an independent professional?

It is entirely your decision whether you wish your child's school to be informed about our involvement. We can discuss this with you and offer advice.