Helping You Understand Your Child’s Learning Needs With Clarity and Compassion.

What We Offer Parents

Every parent wants to see their child happy, confident and thriving at school. When reading, writing or learning starts to feel difficult, it can be hard to know what’s going on — or what to do next.
At Birchall House, we’re here to support you gently and professionally, giving you the answers and guidance you need to move forward.

Led by specialist SEND teacher and dyslexia-trained assessor Jess Birchall, we offer thorough assessments, clear explanations and practical advice you can trust.

Full Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessments

A complete, evidence-based assessment for children aged 8–16.

Child-friendly testing environment
Comprehensive specific literacy needs assessment
Diagnostic outcome (if appropriate)
Clear strengths and needs profile
Detailed written report
Practical strategies for home and school
Follow-up call with Jess to talk through the report and recommendations

Ideal for families wanting a full understanding of their child’s literacy needs.

Dyslexia Screenings

A shorter, early-stage assessment to identify whether dyslexia may be present.

45 minutes
Delivered to children from age 6 onwards
Highlights areas of concern
Clear recommendations for next steps

Ideal if you’re not sure whether a full assessment is needed.

Report Review & Second Opinions

If your child already has an assessment report (from school, EP or private assessor), Jess can help you understand:

What the results mean
What the recommendations look like in real life
What is most important to share with school
Whether further assessment is needed
How to support your child effectively at home

Clear, jargon free explanations to give you confidence.

Signs Your Child May Benefit From an Assessment

You might notice one or more of the following:

Difficulty with reading fluency or accuracy
Struggles with spelling or writing
Mixing up letters or reversing numbers
Slow writing speed
Anxiety or frustration around homework
Avoiding reading tasks
Strong verbal skills but weaker literacy attainment
Trouble remembering sequences or instructions
Teachers expressing concerns
Dyslexia or learning differences in the family

If any of these sound familiar, an assessment can bring clarity — and relief.

What You Receive:

Regardless of which service you choose, you can expect:

A warm, child-centred experience
Expert assessment from a specialist SEND teacher
High-quality reports written in clear, accessible language
Practical strategies for home and school
A focus on strengths as well as needs
Tailored advice for supporting confidence and wellbeing
Guidance on what to do next
Optional ongoing support

Many parents describe the process as “a huge weight lifted”.

Our Approach With Children

We know that assessments can feel intimidating for some children.
At Birchall House, all sessions are designed to be:

Calm, friendly, encouraging and respectful of each child’s pace.

Jess uses warm communication, clear instructions, breaks when needed and plenty of reassurance.

Children often leave feeling very proud of themselves.

FAQs

No — sessions are gentle and designed to build confidence.
In school or at our calming assessment space in South West London.
If you have a suitable, private space in your home, the assessments can take place there.
Usually around 2 -3 hours, with breaks as needed.
No, the evidence from the psychometric tests, qualitative information from the school and background information from your family are gathered to make a decision on whether your child meets the threshold.
You will receive a comprehensive report with recommendations as part of the assessment.
Yes. Reports detail needs, strengths and recommendations clearly.
Access arrangements are made through school, and it is helpful for the person organising this to have supporting evidence from a qualified assessor to apply for this. We do not provide access arrangements, but can make recommendations in the report if the evidence shows this would be benefical for your child.