Sarah McCahon Dyslexia & Learning Services

About

This is an independent service, which is not run by the NHS or WSCC.

This service is not checked by WSCC and including it on the Local Offer website does not mean that it is a recommended service.

Before using this service, we recommend you make your own checks. Your checks should include being happy that: the service will meet your needs; staff are properly qualified; policies are in place to keep everyone safe and you know how much the service will cost.

Use this guidance for advice about what to ask to help you make sure that children and young people are happy and protected in clubs, groups and activities. Find out more on our terms and disclaimer.

---

Having worked in this field for almost 25 years, I conduct full diagnostic dyslexia assessments for anyone age 8 and above. These look to see whether dyslexia explains someone's literacy skill difficulties or if there're other reasons. I also very regularly write referral letters and signpost regarding ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, language difficulties, etc. and have really open conversations with parents. My reports are incredibly detailed but very practical with so many strategies and information in terms of next steps. For anyone age 6 and 7, I conduct comprehensive needs assessments that cover a range of literacy skills, cognitive processing skills and underlying ability/reasoning skills. These involve questionnaires being completed by the family and school. For those age 16, I can also assess for dyspraxia as a specific learning difficulty. I also work with schools regarding exam access arrangements for GCSEs and A' levels.

What we do

• The cost of a full diagnostic assessment is usually £575 which includes a £75 deposit to be paid at the time of booking and the balance any time before or on the assessment date. However, clients are very welcome to pay in instalments if that's easier for them. The cost includes any referral letters for any needs that would benefit from being explored by other types of professionals as well as a brief pre-assessment 'hello' for the person being assessed to meet Sarah.
• Assessments can be conducted over Zoom for adults and young people in year 7 and above. For children below year 7 and anyone who'd prefer to come to my home, the assessment is conducted in my ground floor dining room and there are 2 steps into the house.
• Full dyslexia diagnostic assessments for anyone age 8+, Comprehensive needs assessments for children age 6 and 7, Dyspraxia assessments (as a specific learning difficulty) age 16+
• Exam access arrangements for schools and colleges
• Referral letters arising from assessments linked to ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, language difficulties, etc.

Age range

8-upwards

Wheelchair accessible

Other

Free to use

No

Requires application

Yes

Our users say

Sarah, I just want to thank you for everything. From my first contact with you through to the absolutely amazing report you sent us packed with information and ideas to help [my daughter], you've been a star. Your kindness, your positivity, your focus on making it such a helpful, uplifting experience for us all has been incredible. I'm so glad that lots of my friends recommended you. We shared the report with the school just before the summer holidays and they said how brilliant it was - with lots of really important information for them to now be aware of and support. I just know [my daughter] is going to have such a good year at school. Again, thank you!'
'Dear Sarah. Thank you for this. It's been quite a rollercoaster of emotions because I'm really glad that you've identfied her needs and this will help hugely but I'm also sad that there's so much that the school hadn't mentioned. Seeing the school questionnaire made me wonder why her anxiety and behaviours hadn't been mentioned to us at parents' evenings and we had no idea how far behind she is. She was so comfortable with you despite being nervous at the beginning but I'm feeling overwhelmed how you fostered an environment where she could share these worries with you as we can work with the school to help her. Dyslexia was the only thing on my radar but you've raised all these others needs, written letters and given us information of private places if we can't pursue assessments through the school or GP. Without a doubt, this is life changing for all of us and your experience shines through as you're a font of knowledge!!'
'Thank you. The assessment was great and [my daughter] felt at ease the whole time and the report is fabulous. We couldn’t have asked for more. The school has also embraced this and their proactive steps and attitude towards it has been amazing. Everything is changing for [my daughter] and at such a pace too. I should tell you, this is largely down to the value the school place in you as an assessor. They were delighted we had used you and said you were by far the best and most regarded assessor in the county!'