Terms and Conditions

WordWise Dyslexia Services

Emma Blackburn BA (Hons), PGCE, AMBDA, APC Holder

Independent Dyslexia & JCQ Access Arrangements Assessor

Effective from: July 2026

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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:

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1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions apply to all diagnostic dyslexia assessments provided by Emma Blackburn, trading as WordWise Dyslexia Services.

By booking an assessment, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions.

WordWise Dyslexia Services provides comprehensive diagnostic dyslexia assessments for children (aged 8 years and over), young people and adults in accordance with the current guidance published by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC).

Assessments are available:

• At my assessment venue in Ninfield, East Sussex

• At an agreed school, college or home location (where appropriate)

• Online throughout the UK for suitable candidates aged 12 years and over

All assessments are carried out professionally, confidentially and in accordance with current professional standards, ethical guidance and UK data protection legislation.

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2. Services Provided

WordWise Dyslexia Services provides comprehensive diagnostic dyslexia assessments designed to identify dyslexia and related literacy difficulties, while recognising an individual's strengths, areas of need and appropriate recommendations.

Each assessment includes:

• A free introductory telephone consultation

• Review of background questionnaires and supporting documentation

• A comprehensive diagnostic assessment

• Scoring and professional interpretation of assessment results

• A detailed written diagnostic report

• A personal feedback session to explain the findings and recommendations

Reports are written in accordance with current SASC guidance and may be suitable for educational settings, universities, employers and other organisations where appropriate.

Where relevant, reports may support applications for:

• Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

• Access to Work

• Workplace reasonable adjustments

• Professional or vocational examination adjustments

• Discussions regarding exam access arrangements, subject to current JCQ regulations.

A diagnostic dyslexia assessment does not diagnose other conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum condition (ASC), developmental coordination disorder (DCD/dyspraxia) or visual stress. However, where appropriate, recommendations may be made for onward referral to other suitably qualified professionals.

3. Booking, Fees and Payment

3.1 Assessment Fee

The fee for a comprehensive diagnostic dyslexia assessment is £500.

The assessment fee includes:

• A free introductory telephone consultation.

• Review of background questionnaires and supporting documentation.

• A comprehensive diagnostic assessment.

• Scoring, interpretation and analysis of assessment results.

• A detailed written diagnostic report.

• A personal feedback session to explain the assessment findings and recommendations.

Reduced fees may be available for schools, charities or multiple referrals at the discretion of WordWise Dyslexia Services.

3.2 Deposit

A non-refundable deposit of £75 is required to secure an assessment appointment.

Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than 14 days before the assessment date, unless an alternative payment arrangement has been agreed in writing.

3.3 Payment Methods

Payment should be made by bank transfer using the details provided on your invoice.

Invoices must be paid by the due date shown.

Failure to make payment may result in the assessment being postponed or cancelled.

3.4 Payment Plans

In exceptional circumstances, a payment plan may be agreed at the discretion of WordWise Dyslexia Services.

However, unless otherwise agreed in writing, the full balance must be received before the assessment takes place.

3.5 Travel and Venue Fees

Assessments at my assessment venue in Ninfield incur no additional travel charge.

Where assessments take place at a school, college, home or another agreed venue outside my local area, a flat £15 travel fee will apply.

Where a hired venue is required (for example, Dunk's Hall), an additional £30 venue hire fee will be added to the assessment cost.

Any additional costs will always be agreed before the booking is confirmed.

3.6 Changes to Fees

WordWise Dyslexia Services reserves the right to amend its fees.

Any fee changes will not affect assessments that have already been confirmed and paid for (or where a deposit has been received).

4. Cancellation, Rescheduling and Refunds

4.1 Cooling-Off Period and Commencement of Services

Where an assessment is booked online, by telephone or by email, the booking may be subject to the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

You have the right to cancel your booking within 14 days unless you have expressly requested that WordWise Dyslexia Services begins providing professional services immediately.

By confirming your booking and paying the booking deposit, you acknowledge and agree that professional services will begin before the assessment takes place. These services may include, but are not limited to:

• Sending and reviewing background questionnaires

• Reviewing school reports and supporting documentation

• Correspondence with parents, schools or other professionals

• Assessment planning and preparation

• Scheduling and administration

• Professional record keeping

Professional work is deemed to have commenced when any assessment documentation, questionnaires or information-gathering forms are issued to the client, parent/carer or educational setting, or when review of background information has begun, whichever occurs first.

Once professional work has commenced, your statutory cancellation rights may be reduced or lost in accordance with the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

The £75 booking deposit is non-refundable, and where professional work has commenced, WordWise Dyslexia Services reserves the right to retain additional fees that reasonably reflect the work already undertaken.

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5. The Assessment Process

5.1 Before the Assessment

Following confirmation of your booking, you will receive a pre-assessment information pack, which may include:

• Background questionnaires.

• Consent forms.

• A visual difficulties screening questionnaire.

• Requests for copies of relevant documents, such as school reports, previous assessments or medical information.

To ensure the assessment is as accurate and comprehensive as possible, all requested documentation should be returned before the assessment date.

Failure to provide the requested information may delay the assessment or affect the quality and accuracy of the assessment findings.

5.2 During the Assessment

Diagnostic assessments typically last approximately 2½–3 hours, including comfort breaks where required.

Assessments are individually tailored and include a range of standardised psychometric tests that explore literacy skills together with the underlying cognitive processes associated with dyslexia.

Depending on the individual's age and presenting needs, the assessment may include areas such as:

• Reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension

• Spelling

• Written expression

• Phonological processing

• Rapid naming

• Memory

• Processing skills

• Oral language

• Underlying reasoning abilities

Not every assessment will include exactly the same tests. The selection of assessment materials remains at the professional discretion of the assessor.

5.3 Assessment Suitability

WordWise Dyslexia Services reserves the right to determine whether a diagnostic dyslexia assessment is appropriate.

Where concerns arise regarding suitability, including significant visual difficulties, unaddressed hearing difficulties, medical conditions, emotional wellbeing, behaviour or other factors that may affect the validity of the assessment, the assessment may be postponed, adapted or discontinued.

Where appropriate, recommendations may be made for further investigation or referral before the assessment proceeds.

5.4 Professional Judgement

Diagnostic assessments rely upon both standardised test results and professional clinical judgement.

Emma Blackburn reserves the right to determine:

• which assessment tools are used;

• whether additional assessment is required;

• whether sufficient evidence exists to reach a diagnostic conclusion; and

• whether further assessment by another professional is recommended.

Completion of an assessment does not guarantee that a diagnosis of dyslexia will be made.

5.5 After the Assessment

Following completion of the assessment:

• Assessment results will be scored and analysed.

• Information from questionnaires and supporting documentation will be considered.

• A comprehensive written report will be prepared.

• A feedback session will be arranged to explain the findings and recommendations.

Reports are normally issued within 2–3 weeks of the assessment, although this may occasionally vary due to annual leave, illness or exceptional circumstances. Clients will be informed if any significant delay is anticipated.

The professional opinions, conclusions and recommendations contained within the report remain the independent judgement of the assessor and cannot be influenced by requests from parents, schools, colleges, employers or other third parties.

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6. Online Assessments

6.1 Suitability

Online diagnostic dyslexia assessments are available for suitable candidates aged 12 years and over.

The decision regarding whether an assessment is appropriate to complete online rests solely with WordWise Dyslexia Services. Where it is considered that an online assessment may not provide reliable or valid results, a face-to-face assessment may be recommended instead.

6.2 Technology Requirements

Clients are responsible for ensuring they have access to:

• A reliable broadband internet connection.

• A laptop or desktop computer (mobile phones and tablets are not suitable for diagnostic assessments).

• A working webcam, microphone and speakers.

• A quiet, well-lit room free from interruptions.

• A suitable desk or table at which to work.

The assessment cannot proceed if the technical requirements are not met.

6.3 Assessment Environment

To ensure the validity of assessment results:

• The assessment must be completed by the named client only.

• No other person may assist with answering questions or completing tasks.

• Notes, dictionaries, mobile phones, AI tools or other sources of assistance must not be used unless specifically requested by the assessor.

• The assessor may ask the client to adjust their camera position at any time to ensure appropriate observation throughout the assessment.​

6.4 Parent or Responsible Adult

For clients under the age of 18, a parent or responsible adult must be available throughout the assessment in case support is required.

Parents or carers should not assist with assessment tasks unless specifically requested by the assessor.

6.5 Technical Difficulties

Every effort will be made to complete the assessment as planned.

If significant technical difficulties arise, the assessor may:

• pause the assessment;

• rearrange part of the assessment for another date; or

• recommend that the remainder of the assessment is completed face to face.

No additional charge will be made where technical difficulties are outside the client's reasonable control.

6.6 Recording of Assessments

In some circumstances, WordWise Dyslexia Services may request permission to make an audio or video recording of part or all of an online assessment.

Recordings are used solely to support accurate observation, scoring, report writing, professional record keeping and quality assurance.

Recording will only take place with the client's (or parent/carer's) explicit consent.

Any recordings will be stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation and will be permanently deleted once they are no longer required for professional purposes.

Clients must not record, photograph, screenshot or distribute any part of the assessment or assessment materials without the prior written permission of WordWise Dyslexia Services.

7. Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Data Protection

7.1 Safeguarding

The welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance.

WordWise Dyslexia Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all clients and operates in accordance with current safeguarding legislation and professional guidance.

Emma Blackburn holds:

• An Enhanced DBS Certificate (Update Service)

• Current safeguarding training

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance

For clients under the age of 16 attending face-to-face assessments, a parent or responsible adult must remain on the premises or nearby throughout the assessment. Parents and carers will be invited to discuss the assessment before and after the session and during scheduled breaks but should not remain in the assessment room unless requested by the assessor.

Where a safeguarding concern arises, WordWise Dyslexia Services has a professional and legal duty to follow safeguarding procedures, which may include sharing relevant information with appropriate agencies where necessary to protect a child or vulnerable adult.

7.2 Confidentiality

All information provided during the assessment process will be treated as confidential.

Information will only be shared with third parties where:

• the client (or parent/carer where appropriate) has provided consent;

• disclosure is required by law;

• there is a safeguarding concern; or

• disclosure is necessary to protect an individual from serious harm.

7.3 Data Protection

WordWise Dyslexia Services complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Personal information is collected only for the purpose of providing professional assessment services and administering those services.

Personal information will be stored securely and will only be accessed where necessary for legitimate professional purposes.

7.4 Sharing Reports

Diagnostic reports remain the property and intellectual work of WordWise Dyslexia Services.

Clients are encouraged to share their report with relevant professionals, such as schools, colleges, universities, employers or healthcare professionals, where appropriate.

WordWise Dyslexia Services cannot accept responsibility for how reports are interpreted or used by third parties once they have been released with the client's consent.

7.5 Communication

Communication will normally take place via email or telephone during normal business hours.

Reasonable efforts will be made to respond to enquiries promptly; however, immediate responses cannot always be guaranteed due to assessment commitments, report writing or annual leave.

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8. Reports, Record Retention and Copyright

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8.1 Diagnostic Report

Following completion of the assessment, WordWise Dyslexia Services will prepare a comprehensive written report outlining the assessment findings, diagnostic conclusions (where appropriate), strengths, areas of need and personalised recommendations.

Reports are normally issued within 2–3 weeks of the assessment, although this may occasionally vary due to annual leave, illness or other exceptional circumstances. Clients will be informed if any significant delay is anticipated.

8.2 Use of the Report

Diagnostic reports are prepared for the named client and may be used to support educational, workplace or other appropriate adjustments.

The report may be shared by the client (or parent/carer) with schools, colleges, universities, employers or other professionals as they consider appropriate.

Whilst reports are prepared in accordance with current professional standards and SASC guidance, WordWise Dyslexia Services cannot guarantee that another organisation will accept or act upon the recommendations provided, as decisions remain the responsibility of the receiving organisation.

8.3 Storage of Records

In accordance with professional guidance and UK data protection legislation:

• Final diagnostic reports will normally be retained securely for six years from the date of issue.

• Following this retention period, reports and associated records will be securely destroyed unless a longer retention period is required by law.

Clients are strongly advised to keep a secure copy of their report, as WordWise Dyslexia Services cannot guarantee that copies will be available after the retention period has expired.

8.4 Raw Assessment Materials

To maintain the security and integrity of standardised psychometric assessments, raw test materials are not shared with clients, parents, schools or third parties.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Test booklets

• Record forms

• Working notes

• Assessment scoring sheets

• Test questions and stimuli

These materials are protected by copyright, publisher licensing agreements and professional standards.

Where appropriate, assessment findings and results will be fully explained in accessible language within the diagnostic report and during the feedback session.

8.5 Additional Copies of Reports

Clients may request an additional electronic copy of their report during the retention period.

WordWise Dyslexia Services reserves the right to make a reasonable administration charge for the provision of replacement copies or retrieval of archived records.

8.6 Intellectual Property and Copyright

All reports produced by WordWise Dyslexia Services remain the intellectual property and original professional work of Emma Blackburn.

Assessment reports may not be altered, reproduced in part, edited, or used in a misleading manner without prior written permission.

Standardised assessment materials, record forms, manuals and testing resources remain the copyright of their respective publishers and must not be copied, photographed, scanned, uploaded to artificial intelligence platforms, distributed or reproduced in any format.

8.7 Storage and Retrieval of Reports

To comply with professional standards, data protection legislation and assessment security requirements, assessment records are managed as follows:

• Final diagnostic reports are securely retained for six years from the date of issue.

• After this retention period, reports will be permanently deleted and WordWise Dyslexia Services will be unable to provide further copies.

• During the retention period, clients may request an additional electronic copy of their report and, where applicable, a replacement password for encrypted reports. A reasonable administration fee may be charged for this service.

• Raw assessment materials, including record forms, working notes, questionnaires, scoring sheets and assessment protocols, are retained only until the report has been accepted by the client and a reasonable opportunity has been provided for feedback and any queries to be addressed. Once this process has been completed, these materials are securely destroyed in accordance with professional standards and data protection legislation.

• Standardised test booklets, manuals and other copyrighted assessment materials remain the property of the relevant test publishers and are not released to clients or third parties.

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9. JCQ Access Arrangements

Where an assessment is commissioned for a learner in Year 9 or above, and the family hopes it may contribute towards an application for examination access arrangements (for example, extra time, a reader, a scribe or assistive technology), it is the responsibility of the parent/carer or student to discuss this with their school, college or examination centre before arranging the assessment.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) publishes strict regulations regarding the evidence required for access arrangements in public examinations.

A privately commissioned assessment does not automatically entitle a learner to examination access arrangements, nor can it be used by itself to process an application through JCQ's Access Arrangements Online system.

For an assessment to contribute towards an application, the school or college must comply with current JCQ requirements, which include establishing a working relationship with the assessor and providing the appropriate documentation (including, as a minimum, the relevant sections of Form 8) where applicable.

The awarding of examination access arrangements remains entirely at the discretion of the school, college or examination centre and must be supported by evidence of the learner's normal way of working, together with the requirements set out in the current JCQ regulations.

Where requested, Emma Blackburn is happy to liaise with schools and colleges before an assessment takes place to determine whether the assessment is likely to support the evidence required under the current JCQ regulations.

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10. Complaints Procedure

WordWise Dyslexia Services aims to provide a professional, supportive and high-quality service at all times.

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the assessment process or the service you have received, please raise your concerns as soon as possible by contacting Emma Blackburn directly. Most concerns can be resolved quickly through informal discussion.

If the matter cannot be resolved informally, a formal written complaint should be submitted by email within 28 days of the issue arising. WordWise Dyslexia Services will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within five working days and aim to provide a full written response within 20 working days.

Every effort will be made to investigate complaints fairly, impartially and professionally.

Complaints relating solely to the professional judgement, diagnostic conclusions or recommendations contained within the assessment report will not normally be upheld unless there is evidence of factual error, procedural error or professional misconduct. Differences of opinion regarding a diagnosis or recommendations do not, in themselves, constitute grounds for complaint.

Where appropriate, clients may also seek advice from the relevant professional or regulatory body.

11. General Terms

11.1 Professional Standards

All assessments are carried out in accordance with current professional standards, ethical guidance and the recommendations of the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC). Assessment procedures may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in professional guidance, legislation or standardised assessment materials.

11.2 Limitation of Liability

WordWise Dyslexia Services accepts responsibility for providing assessments with reasonable care, skill and professional diligence.

However, no liability is accepted for decisions subsequently made by schools, colleges, universities, employers, examination boards or other organisations based upon the contents of the report.

Recommendations contained within the report are professional opinions based upon the information available at the time of assessment and should be considered alongside any future changes in the individual's circumstances.

11.3 Force Majeure

WordWise Dyslexia Services shall not be liable for any delay or failure to provide services where this results from circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to illness, severe weather, accidents, power failures, internet outages, government restrictions or other unforeseen events.

Where possible, an alternative assessment appointment will be offered.

11.4 Changes to these Terms and Conditions

WordWise Dyslexia Services reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time.

The version in force at the time of booking will apply to your assessment unless otherwise agreed in writing.

11.5 Contact Details

For any enquiries regarding these Terms and Conditions or your assessment, please contact:

Emma Blackburn
WordWise Dyslexia Services

📧 emma@wordwisedyslexia.com
📞 07947 997186
🌐 www.wordwisedyslexia.com

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By paying the booking deposit, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions and agree that WordWise Dyslexia Services may begin professional work immediately in preparation for your assessment.