Educational psychology

​assessments

Our team of 8 Educational Psychologists assist students from Year 0 to tertiary level. They use their depth of experience and a wide range of specialist diagnostic assessment tools to achieve an accurate assessment of your child's unique situation.

​Educational and academic assessments are helpful for many reasons:​

  • They help pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in your child’s cognitive profile. We undertake a thorough and complete assessment of a child’s cognitive and academic functioning to achieve diagnostic accuracy. 
  • Assessments identify whether a learning difference (commonly known as a Specific Learning Disorder e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) is a contributing factor to why a child might not be meeting their academic potential. 
  • At secondary school, the SENCo may request a Special Assessment Conditions assessment to indicate if a student is entitled to special assessment conditions for the exam pathways of NCEA, CIE, or IB. 
  • They can assess for giftedness or twice/multi exceptional learners or an intellectual disability.


The results and recommendations from your assessment are valid for three to four years. 


dyslexia assessment
Dyslexia assessment

Why does my child need an Educational Psychology assessment?

An assessment is undertaken to find out more. We believe parents know their kids best. Your intuition will often tell you if something is not quite right about your child’s learning.



This is usually backed up by school reports and observations. Often, schools will contact parents to indicate that it might be a good idea to get an educational psychology report done.

What happens at an Educational Psychology assessment?

On the day, your psychologist will spend the first 15 minutes with you and your child. This ensures your child is relaxed and ready for the assessment. It also gives you a chance to cover any relevant history and / or concerns. ​


Assessments are one-on-one with one of our Educational Psychologists and your child. ​


Your child and the psychologist work together on a series of activities. While they are different to school-based tasks, these activities tell us about a child’s learning abilities and potential. ​


Near the end of the session, you will return and be provided with initial verbal feedback.

Dyslexia assessment

What happens after the assessment?

A full written report is usually available about four weeks of the assessment.


If you have queries or need further clarification after reading your child’s report, please send your question via email. Although it is not usually necessary, you can book a one-hour chargeable session to review the report content. ​


The SENCo (Special Needs Co-ordinator) at your child’s school should be sent a copy of the report. You should also arrange meeting with them to discuss the outcomes and recommendations and how these can be implemented in the school environment.


If you need additional support or therapy for your child, we’re here to help. 


Please note: ADHD and ASD are both medical conditions. This means that a final diagnosis must be made by a medical practitioner such as a pediatrician. However, we can do an initial screening test (additional fees will apply) which identifies traits and clarifies specific areas of impact.


Meet our Educational Psychologists

Our qualified Educational Psychologists are professionally registered. They regularly undergo professional development and training to ensure they stay on top of new research and developments. 

MEET THE TEAM

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ​Where does the assessment take place?

    The assessments take place at the Kidz Therapy centre, 642 New North Road, Morningside. See our exact location on the map.


  • ​How do I make an appointment?

    Get in touch with us online, via email or telephone (09) 849 4232. We cannot always answer the telephone – email is best.


    It helps our team if you outline the types of challenges your child might be facing, as this allows us to determine what type of assessment is required. 


    We will send you the details around our processes and fees and ask for any additional information required. 


    All bookings are confirmed via email. This email includes detailed instructions for your appointment and a pre-appointment questionnaire.


    Wait times vary. Currently, there is a 2 - 4 month wait for an appointment

  • How long do appointments take?

    To complete a Cognitive and Educational Assessment for younger children (Years 1 – 8), 2 sessions are required. The first one is 2 hours and the second between 1.5 – 2 hours (depending on your child’s age and development). We know that 2 hours is a long time for a young child to focus so a break is taken midway through the first session.


    For secondary school students (Year 9 and above), the assessment can usually be completed in 1 x 3 hour session. Sometimes, 2 sessions are required, again this is dependent on your child.


    These times are approximate, depending on your child’s age, development and ability to focus. If your child is tired or not focused, we may need to arrange an additional session.

  • ​​What should I tell my child about the assessment?

    Try and avoid talking about the assessment too early – for most kids a few days out is plenty of notice.


    When speaking to your child talk about activities rather than tests or assessments, especially for younger children.


    In our experience, it is best to not to over-talk the assessment.  Instead say things like “We are going to see Marie, she is like a teacher who can help us discover the best way you can learn.”.

  • Reporting back

    You will leave the assessment with initial verbal feedback. Your psychologist will ensure that the initial feedback is provided in a language that parents / caregivers can easily understand.

  • How long is the wait list?

    Currently our Educational Psychologists are booked up 2 - 4 months in advance.

  • Written reports​

    Our reports provide a plan that gives you results, understanding about your child, direction and a way forward.


    The report is comprehensive and includes the assessments used, the results, observations, interpretation of results and recommendations to support your child at home and school. 


    Reports generally have a life span of three years. For senior students they can ‘roll over’ into tertiary years.

  • What is involved in the cost of a report?

    Most parents recognise the value and expertise they receive through Educational Psychology Assessments. However, some have a perception that a report is expensive. 

     

    Please bear in mind that this is a very specialised field and many of the test used in these assessments are only available to registered psychologists. Our psychologists have all the relevant qualifications, industry registrations and years of experience required to work with your child.  They also undertake ongoing professional development to ensure they are at the top of their field.


    The reports don’t just focus on academic matters, our Educational Psychologists are also qualified to support children and families with behaviour management, social and emotional issues (such an anxiety and dyspraxia).

  • ​How do I pay?​

    You will receive an invoice the Monday following your child’s assessment. The invoice must be paid in full before your report is released. Invoices can be paid by direct debit or online credit card (credit card payments incur a 2.9% surcharge). 

  • How and when do I receive the report?

    The report is emailed in a PDF format. The reports are usually available 4 weeks following the assessment, once your invoice has been paid in full. 


    Due to the specialised nature of these assessments, interpreting the results and writing the report is a significant time investment for our psychologists. A second psychologist also reviews each report.

  • What happens to my child’s information?

    We take the utmost care with your child’s records. All information and subsequent reports are treated with privacy and confidence. Psychologists are bound by the Psychologist's Code of Ethics which includes a strict commitment to client confidentiality. Reports are only disclosed to additional parties with prior consent from the parent/caregiver.

Get in touch with us, we’re here to help

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