Question 1

How do I arrange an EP assessment?

Accepted Answer

Handelsman Psychology offers a free 15 minute chat to discuss your concerns and explain how we work. To arrange a phone call please email hello@handelsmanpsychology.com, complete the Contact Form or telephone 07368 184739.

If we agree a meeting/assessment, you will be emailed forms to complete. Once these are returned, you will be offered a date for the meeting/assessment.

Question 2

What can an EP assess and provide advice for?

Accepted Answer

An EP assessment can include assessments of cognition, processing, memory, literacy and numeracy. A child’s emotional wellbeing, self-image, resiliency, attention, social skills, sensory processing, motor skills and behaviour needs can also be explored. Assessments can take various forms, including standardised and dynamic tests completed individually with the child, observations and questionnaires for parents, school staff and the child. I work with children and young people aged 3-18 years old.

Question 3

Can you provide a diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

If relevant and in the best interests of the child, a diagnosis of specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyscalculia can be given. Diagnoses of dyspraxia, ADHD and autism cannot be given but can be screened for and you may be signposted to other professionals for formal diagnostic assessments.

Question 4

Where will the assessment take place?

Accepted Answer

Assessments can take place at your child’s school, at your home or at a clinic space in Mill Hill, NW7. This will be a decision we make together depending on factors such as the need for a school observation, where you live and my availability.

Question 5

How long does an assessment take?

Accepted Answer

A visit to school will usually last a full morning. Individual assessment with your child varies as I work at the pace of the child and provide breaks as needed. Typically, individual assessment will last 2-3 hours. Occasionally an assessment will be split across two days.

Question 6

How can I prepare my child for their assessment?

Accepted Answer

Please share All About Me for Children and All About Me for Teens web pages with your child before their assessment. Also, have a look below at 'FAQs for Kids' that you can use to help prepare them and answer their questions.

Question 7

Do I need to tell my child’s school they are having an EP assessment?

Accepted Answer

An EP assessment is much more than completing individual activities with your child. As a Psychologist I provide a professional opinion based on a range of information, including the views of nursery/school staff. I therefore will always seek the views of teachers as part of an assessment. It is also quite normal for parents and teachers to hold different concerns or opinions about a child, and this is okay too. If you have a specific concern about informing your child’s school, please discuss this with me.

Question 8

Will you observe at the child's nursery/school?

Accepted Answer

I will decide if an observation at nursery/school is necessary as part of my assessment once I know more about your concerns. An observation will always be carried out if you are having an Early Years assessment or if there are concerns regarding attention and behaviour which can be best assessed at school. Observations are less common for secondary school students.

Question 9

When will I receive the report?

Accepted Answer

Your child’s report will be sent to you by email within three weeks of the completed assessment and the return of any questionnaires/forms I have requested.

Question 10

What should I do after receiving the report?

Accepted Answer

Take your time to read the report and note any questions you may have for me or any factual inaccuracies you would like me to amend. We can then have a phone call/video meeting so I can answer your questions. If need be, I can send you a final amended report.

Then share the final report with your child’s nursery/school and ask for a meeting with the SENCo/class teacher to discuss the outcomes and agree next steps. This may include them creating or amending an SEN Individual Support Plan for your child and circulating strategies to teaching staff. Ask for a review meeting to be scheduled with you approx. 6 weeks later so you can monitor progress together. You are welcome to get back in touch for a Review meeting with me if required.

Question 11

Will this assessment be accepted by School / Local Authorities?

Accepted Answer

All schools have a duty to support children with additional needs, as outlined in the SEN Code of Practice (2014). They should make reasonable adjustments in line with professional recommendations, such as those within an EP report.

If a child has severe and complex needs, parents may choose to request an Education Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment from their Local Authority. You can use my EP report as part of the evidence you provide to the Local Authority, as it will help them understand your child’s strengths and needs. It does not guarantee that the LA will agree to the EHC Needs Assessment.

Question 12

Do you provide tribunal reports and act as an expert witness?

Accepted Answer

I do not currently conduct assessments to provide tribunal reports and I do not act as an expert witness for SEND Appeals. You can however choose to include my report as part of your evidence.

Question 13

How much do you charge for an assessment?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary depending on several factors including: the child’s age, the concerns held, the location of the assessment and whether you wish them to be screened for diagnoses such as Autism or ADHD. The fee will include contact time, assessment materials, reading documents and the written report. Please contact me directly for more information.

Please note Handelsman Psychology is not registered with any health insurance companies.

Frequently asked questions