Casework

Cognitive Assessment

A cognitive assessment involves a child or young person completing tasks designed to evaluate a range of skills that underpin learning. It can provide information about how pupils/students acquire and process information and can identify strengths and weaknesses that can be used to inform future teaching and learning.
 

Attainment Tests

An attainment test (e.g. the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – WIAT) can be used to determine the stage at which a child or young person is at in terms of their literacy and numeracy skills. A selection of these subtests can be used to plan the next steps in a child’s learning and to monitor responses to intervention.
 

Dynamic Assessment

Dynamic Assessment (DA) incorporates a range of methods for exploring learning potential using prompts, cues and mediation. It enables a deep understanding of cognitive processes i.e. tactics, strategies, habits, modes of thinking, approaching and solving problems. The main focus is on determining the ‘zone of proximal development’ that lies between the level of performance the child can reach unassisted and the level attained with adult assistance
                                                                                      

Access Arrangements for Examinations

The JCQ form 8 or other relevant access arrangement format can be completed by an EP following the required assessments.   
 

Developmental & Play Based Assessment

A developmental assessment can be carried out to determine at what developmental age or stage a young child is at.  They are usually carried out via standardised testing or observation and use of checklists.
 

Observations

Observations of children within the classroom or playground can be conducted to gather information on the child’s presentation within the school context.
 

Gathering child views

Child views are a vital source of information when considering how best to support children and young people in their education. Tameside Educational Psychology Service draw on a range of tools for this purpose including Talking Mats (a non-verbal, visual communication tool)
                                                                                                                   

Other assessments include: 

• Neuro-Psychological Assessments e.g. NEPSY
• Auditory and Working Memory Assessments
• Functional Analysis of Behaviour
• Personal Construct Psychology based assessment
• Beck Youth Inventory (e.g. depression, anxiety, self-concept)
• Resiliency Scale Assessment