educational assessments

•  What is an educational assessment?  

An educational assessment is a psychological evaluation of a child’s functioning in areas of cognitive (IQ) abilities, oral language skills and academic achievement. 

What do we assess?

Initial screening and comprehensive educational assessments for: 

• Dyslexia 
• Language-based Dysgraphia  
• Dyscalculia   

We also conduct psychological assessments of

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

* Please note that a paediatrician is required to confirm an ADHD diagnosis. 

Assessment Types?  

• Initial Educational Assessment (Screener).  

This initial screening assessment is used to identify children at risk of literacy or numeracy difficulties. If your child shows signs or characteristics of a learning difficulty at an early age, we can recommend they be put forward for learning support at school and early intervention services. Therefore, the initial screening assessment is ideal for younger children (i.e., Kindergarten and Year 1) but it can be tailored to children of all ages.  

• Comprehensive Educational Assessment 

The comprehensive educational assessment is for children of all ages who show signs of falling behind their peers academically or in other key areas of development. This is a broader assessment used by psychologists to formally diagnose developmental learning disorders based on the Response to Intervention (RTI) process in accordance to internationally recognised criteria. 

Typically, these assessments include tests of cognitive abilities (i.e., intelligence or IQ), oral language and academic attainment in reading, writing and mathematics. They may also include tests of attention and concentration depending on your concerns.

What is the Response to Intervention (RTI) process?  

The diagnosis of dyslexia, and other developmental learning disorders, must consider how well the child or young person responds to good quality, evidence-based interventions. The Response to Intervention (RTI) model is used to help identify students with specific learning difficulties.

For more information, please see this link from Understood;https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/rti/understanding-response-to-intervention

How long does the assessment process take? 

The duration of the assessment will vary depending on your child’s presenting concerns and support needs.  The initial screening assessment typically takes one appointment, and we aim to complete the report and feedback within 1 week of the assessment. 

The comprehensive educational assessment typically takes two to three appointments on separate days. We aim to complete the report and feedback within 6-8 weeks of your last appointment.  

Follow up support 

The written report you receive is designed to illustrate your child’s strengths and weaknesses and helps guide intervention and communication with other allied professionals and school staff. 

When you receive your report, we are available for face-to-face, telephone or email advice with flexible times to help guide the next steps you may wish to take.  

The written report is the most important product of the assessment process because, in the future, it may also be a necessary component for the application of reasonable adjustments for formal assessment tasks and examinations at school and in the workplace.  

Individual Support Plans

At Thrive, each child who completes a comprehensive educational assessment also receives an Individual Support Plan (ISP). 

An ISP is a tailored document designed to support educators in implementing effective accommodations and strategies for students with diverse learning needs. At Thrive, we create ISPs to complement our comprehensive educational reports, ensuring that key recommendations are translated into practical classroom applications. These plans provide guidance for classroom teachers, casual teachers, music teachers, and library teachers, helping them integrate appropriate resources and modifications into their instruction. The inclusion of an ISP is unique to Thrive and reflects our deep understanding of the need for greater support in the classroom. We know how important it is for your child to feel supported and thrive at school, and this extra layer of guidance helps ensure they get the understanding and accommodations they need to succeed.