Empowering Every Learner
Specialist Dyslexia Assessment and Teaching Tailored to Your Child
Welcome to my practice — I'm Stacy Simmons, a qualified SENCo and specialist assessor with over 18 years of experience supporting children with dyslexia and other learning differences. I provide personalised, expert assessments and one-to-one teaching to help your child overcome barriers, build confidence, and thrive both at home and in school.
ABOUT
My name is Stacy Simmons and I am a qualified primary teacher, SENCo and specialist teacher and assessor who has taught for over 18 years in state and independent education.
I have a range of experience and training to support the needs of children with specific learning differences (SpLD), including dyslexia, autism, dyspraxia and ADHD. I strongly believe in giving every child the best possible opportunities to thrive at school and reduce the barriers to learning. I currently work part-time as a SENCo at a London independent school, providing specialist, multisensory teaching to primary-aged children. In addition to this, I undertake private dyslexia assessments and I also provide 1:1 specialist teaching and tutoring.
I have completed a Level 7 Post-Graduate certificate in Specific Literacy Difficulties and I am an associate member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA). I hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) which enables me to diagnose dyslexia and provide personalised, tailored recommendations to support your child at school and home, including guidance for access arrangements for examinations. I am qualified to assess children up to the age of 16 years.
I cover London, Surrey and West Sussex. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss an assessment for your child and any questions or concerns you may have.
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
What qualifies me to support your child’s learning journey.
Qualified Primary School Teacher
I am a qualified primary teacher, having completed my Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Roehampton.
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator
I am a trained Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator having completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management of Special Educational Needs (NASENCO).
Level 7 Specific Literacy Difficulties
Level 7 Post-Graduate Certificate in Specific Literacy Difficulties with the University of Birmingham.
Assessment Practising Certificate
I hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) with the British Dyslexia Association, approved by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC), demonstrating a high level of continued professional development.
Enhanced DBS certificate
Enhanced DBS certificate (Disclosure and Barring Service) and registered with the DBS update service.
Insurance
Up-to-date professional indemnity insurance.
Registered
Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Up-to-date and regular training
Up-to-date and regular training with the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC).
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA
Dyslexia
[dɪs-LEK-see-uh] - noun
Dyslexia is a set of processing differences that affect the acquisition of literacy skills, including reading, spelling and writing. The most common difference is observed in phonological processing (i.e. in phonological awareness, phonological processing speed or phonological memory). However, phonological difficulties do not fully explain the variability that is observed. Dyslexic differences exist on a continuum and each dyslexic learner has their own specific profile. Working memory, processing speed and orthographic skills can also contribute to the impact of dyslexia. Across languages and age groups, challenges with reading fluency and spelling are a key marker of dyslexia. Dyslexia can affect the acquisition of other skills, such as mathematics, reading comprehension or learning another language. Dyslexia may co-occur with one or more other developmental differences, including developmental language condition, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism and dyspraxia.
FAQs
Why have a dyslexia assessment?
A diagnostic assessment for dyslexia is an important step in helping individuals to better understand their specific way of learning with reading, writing and spelling and to build their self-esteem and confidence. While an assessment may confirm a diagnosis of dyslexia, it will explore your child’s strengths and the underlying reasons why they may have been experiencing some challenges or differences in their literacy learning. A dyslexia assessment provides tailored recommendations to inform personalised strategies for home and school. By providing your child with a greater understanding of their learning profile, this can enable them to understand how they learn best. This can support your child to enjoy and make progress in their literacy learning, while also providing improved access to accommodations and adjustments in school to allow them to thrive.
What does an assessment involve for my child?
My approach is kind, positive and nurturing to ensure that children feel reassured and relaxed about the assessment. Most children find the activities enjoyable and fun as they include problem-solving tasks and word games. Your child's views and opinions are a hugely important part of the assessment process and I ensure that their individual strengths and interests are valued. Your child will have lots of opportunity to explore different ways of approaching the tasks and this enables me to identify their strengths, areas to develop and any strategies that they use to help them with their learning.
How does the assessment process work?
Pre-assessment
A pre-assessment questionnaire will be sent to you to gather information about your child. A questionnaire will also be shared your child’s school to gain information about your child’s support at school.
Assessment
The assessment takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete and will include a wide range of tests such as reading, handwriting, spelling, working memory, phonological and visual processing, orthography, language and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. The assessment can be completed either at your house, at school (if agreed) or at my house.
Post Assessment
A 30 page report will explain the results of your child’s assessment. Strengths and areas for development are detailed, and recommendations and interventions to support the child going forward are given. If a profile of dyslexia is found, the assessment offers an official diagnosis and can be used for exam access requirements. A post-report discussion is available (if required over phone/email) to discuss the report and answer any questions you may have.
Assessment cost
£625
FURTHER INFORMATION
Made by Dyslexia provides information about dyslexic thinking skills, as well as resources for children, parents and schools: https://www.madebydyslexia.org/
There is lots of dyslexia information for parents on the Nessy website: https://www.nessy.com/uk/parents/dyslexia-information/
The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre website also a wealth of information and courses for parents: https://www.helenarkell.org.uk/
CONTACT
Let’s talk about how I can support your child’s learning journey.
Whether you’re ready to book a dyslexia assessment or simply have some questions, I’d love to hear from you. Every child is unique, and I’m here to provide kind, knowledgeable support tailored to your needs. Reach out to discuss your concerns, learn more about the process, or explore the right next step for your child.