1. Introduction

WordWise Dyslexia is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, processed, stored and protected in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) guidance.

WordWise Dyslexia is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

This policy applies to all diagnostic dyslexia assessments, JCQ Access Arrangements assessments and specialist assessment services.

2. Information Collected

Personal information is collected only where necessary to provide assessment services.

This may include:

Names, addresses and contact details.
Date of birth.
Educational setting and year group.
Background questionnaires completed by parents, carers or adult clients.
Information provided by schools, colleges, universities or employers (with consent where appropriate).
Previous assessment reports and supporting documentation.
Information relating to learning, educational history and any relevant medical or developmental information voluntarily provided by the client or parent/carer where it may affect the assessment.

Only information necessary for the assessment process is collected.

3. Purpose of Processing Personal Data

Personal information is collected in order to:

Arrange and deliver assessment appointments.
Complete diagnostic dyslexia assessments.
Complete JCQ Access Arrangements assessments.
Produce assessment reports and recommendations.
Communicate with clients and educational settings.
Meet legal and professional obligations.

Background information provided within questionnaires forms an important part of the assessment process and may be summarised within the final diagnostic report where relevant.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

Personal information is processed under one or more of the following lawful bases:

Performance of a contract.
Compliance with legal obligations.
Legitimate interests.
Consent where required.

5. Assessment Materials, Test Security and Data Retention

Assessment materials are handled in accordance with professional standards and test publishers' requirements.

To protect assessment integrity:

Raw test materials, record forms and scoring sheets remain confidential and are protected by copyright.
Raw assessment materials cannot be shared with clients or third parties.
Raw assessment records, working notes and protocols are securely destroyed once they are no longer required in accordance with professional guidance.
Final assessment reports are retained securely for seven years or until the learner reaches 24 years of age (whichever is later) before being securely destroyed.
Clients are encouraged to keep their own copy of the final report.

6. Visual Difficulties Screening

As part of the assessment process, a Visual Difficulties Screening Protocol may be completed to identify symptoms which could affect reading performance.

This screening tool is not a diagnostic assessment of visual conditions.

Where significant concerns are identified, clients may be advised to seek advice from an optometrist, orthoptist or other appropriate healthcare professional before assessment proceeds.

7. Sharing Personal Information

Personal information will never be sold or shared for marketing purposes.

Information may be shared:

with parents or carers;
with schools, colleges or universities where consent has been given;
with employers where authorised by the client;
where disclosure is required by law;
where there is a safeguarding concern.

Only the minimum information necessary will be shared.

8. Online Assessments

Where assessments are undertaken online, secure platforms are used to protect confidentiality.

Reasonable measures are taken to ensure assessment data remains secure throughout the assessment process.

Assessment sessions are not recorded unless written consent has been obtained in advance.

9. Data Security

Appropriate technical and organisational measures are in place to protect personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration or loss.

Information is stored securely and access is restricted to authorised persons only.

10. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

request access to your personal information;
request correction of inaccurate information;
request deletion of information where appropriate;
restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances;
withdraw consent where processing is based on consent;
lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Requests will normally be responded to within one calendar month.

11. International Transfers

Where secure online systems store data outside the UK, appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure compliance with UK GDPR.

12. Contact Details

Emma Blackburn

Independent Dyslexia & JCQ Access Arrangements Assessor

WordWise Dyslexia

📧 emma@wordwisedyslexia.com

🌐 www.wordwisedyslexia.com

ICO Registered

13. Policy Review

Last reviewed: July 2026

Next review: July 2027