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Terms and Conditions for Dyslexia Assessment and Specialist Tuition Services

Valid from July 2025

I, Emma Blackburn, trading as WordWise Dyslexia Services, offer specialist dyslexia assessment and literacy intervention in a suitable location that is mutually convenient for both the assessor and the client. Services may take place at the tutor’s residence, at the client’s home, or at a private venue.

By booking an assessment or tuition with Emma Blackburn, you are entering into a contract under the following terms and conditions:

1. Services Provided

1.1 Dyslexia Assessments

• Full diagnostic dyslexia assessments are available for children, young people, and adults, conducted in accordance with SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee) guidelines.

• The cost of a full diagnostic assessment is £550, which includes:

  • A pre-assessment consultation

  • A full psychometric assessment

  • A detailed written report with recommendations

  • A post-assessment feedback session

• Assessments take place at an agreed location (Hawkhurst-based or within an 8-mile radius).

• Additional travel charges apply at £0.45 per mile outside of the 8-mile radius.

1.2 Specialist Dyslexia Tuition

• One-to-one tuition for primary and secondary-aged children, focusing on structured literacy interventions.

• Tuition is paid in advance in blocks of 4 sessions (monthly) or 6 sessions (half-termly). Other arrangements may be considered at the discretion of Emma Blackburn.

• Tuition takes place during term time unless otherwise agreed.

2. Attendance and Cancellations

2.1 Assessments​

• Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice may result in the full fee being retained but where possible, a new date will be offered.

• If the assessor cancels unexpectedly, an alternative session will be arranged at no additional cost.

• No-shows will result in the full fee being charged.

2.2 Tuition

• No refunds will be provided for unauthorised absences. Work missed will be available upon request.

• A minimum of one month’s notice is required for planned absences.

• Repeated cancellations or no-shows may result in tuition being withdrawn.

3. Communication and Contact Hours

• Contact hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

• Messages received outside of these hours will be responded to during contact hours.

4. Payment and Rates

• Dyslexia Assessments:

• Full payment of £550 is required in advance to secure an assessment booking.

• Payment confirms the booking and is non-refundable.

• The report is returned within three weeks of the assessment.

• Special arrangements are agreed at the assessors discretion, a payment plan may be arranged (e.g. two instalments), but the full balance must be cleared at least 14 days before the session.

• Specialist Dyslexia Tuition: £45 per hour

• Payments must be made in advance via bank transfer or standing order.

• If payment is not received 48 hours before the session, tuition will not take place.

5. Tutor Absences

• Planned absences: At least two weeks’ notice will be given.

• Unplanned absences: Alternative sessions will be arranged where possible.

6. Timekeeping and Behaviour Expectations

• Clients must arrive on time for scheduled sessions. Late arrivals will not be extended.

• Abusive or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated, and services may be terminated if necessary.

7. Feedback and Reports

• Diagnostic reports for assessments are provided within 3 weeks.

• Termly progress reports are provided for tuition students upon request.

8. Safeguarding and Policies

• All services comply with safeguarding and data protection policies (available on request).

• Emma Blackburn holds an enhanced DBS certificate, public liability insurance, and current safeguarding training.

• For safeguarding purposes, a parent or guardian is required to remain on site during all assessments and tuition sessions for learners under 18. Parents are not permitted to sit in on the assessment itself but may wait nearby and will have the opportunity to see their child during breaks.

9. Visual Difficulties Screening and Assessment Reliability

As part of the assessment process, a visual difficulties screening protocol is included to identify any symptoms that may impact reading accuracy, fluency, or comprehension (e.g. blurring, text movement, headaches, or light sensitivity). This is not a diagnostic tool, but a precautionary step based on 2025 SASC guidance.

Where significant visual symptoms are reported, Emma Blackburn may recommend that the client seeks advice from an optometrist, orthoptist, or relevant specialist before proceeding with the full diagnostic assessment. This is to ensure the validity and reliability of the assessment outcomes, as unaddressed visual difficulties can mimic or mask features of dyslexia.

In some cases, the assessment may be paused or rescheduled until visual factors have been explored or managed. Clients will be informed of this during the pre-assessment process.

10. Storage and Retrieval of Reports

• In accordance with BDA guidance, raw test materials (e.g. booklets, record forms, working notes, and questionnaires) are securely destroyed once the final report is issued.

• Final diagnostic reports are stored securely for 6 years.

• After this retention period, reports will be permanently deleted, and we will be unable to supply a copy.

• During this time, you may request an additional electronic copy of the report and/or password. An administration charge will apply for reissuing.

• If you would like your report to be deleted before the end of the retention period, you may request this in writing by emailing info@wordwisetutor.com.

• Families are strongly advised to keep a personal copy of the report securely.

• Raw test materials are protected by copyright and assessment security regulations and are not shared with families or schools; however, all test results and recommendations will be clearly explained in accessible terms.

• Screening and Support profiles are non-diagnostic and records are not retained long-term once feedback and recommendations have been provided. Please ensure you keep a personal copy of the report securely.

11. Important Information for Parents/Carers (JCQ Guidance)

• If your child is in Year 9 or above and you require the assessment to be used as part of an application for Exam Access Arrangements (e.g. extra time, reader, scribe), it is essential that you contact your child’s school SENCo prior to the assessment. This is a requirement set out by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

• JCQ guidance states: “A privately commissioned assessment cannot be used to award access arrangements and cannot be used to process an application using Access Arrangements Online. This would be where the assessor has not contacted the centre, has not established a working relationship with the centre, has not been approved by the head of centre and has not received as a minimum a ‘skeleton’ Part 1 of Form 8 from the SENCo.”

• More information can be found here: JCQ Access Arrangements Guidance.

Changes to Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions may be updated. The most current version will always be available on www.wordwisetutor.com.

For queries, contact: info@wordwisetutor.com.