Assessments for Children

A: No, not at all! The assessment is more like a series of short activities, many of which feel like games. The tasks are varied, with some involving verbal answers, while others involve pointing or written responses. For academic tasks like reading, writing, and maths, the focus is on a broad range of skills rather than just a couple of concepts. This allows your child to showcase their abilities across different areas. Overall, it is a fun challenge day where your child can stretch their mind and show what they know!

A: No. The assessment looks at what your child already knows and their ability to solve problems. We tell your child that we want to see how they approach both easy and tricky tasks, including things they have never seen before.

A: Each assessment is on a one-to-one basis.

A: Your child will not be left alone. They will work one-to-one with a friendly assessor. For the best results, it is important for your child to work independently, so parents are not allowed in the room during the tasks; however, your child will join you for breaks.

A: Upon arrival, you will be met by the staff or assessor. You will stay in the waiting room while your child completes the assessment with the assessor. There will be a 30-minute lunch break, plus extra breaks as needed. Afterwards, the assessor will provide a brief summary of the initial findings.

A: If you are interested in finding out more about our Milton Keynes or Brockworth (Gloucestershire) venues, please email amazing.children@potentialplusuk.org and we will be happy to send you more information and photographs of the venue to share with your child.

A: Yes! Your child can take as many breaks as they need and can join you in the waiting room during these breaks.

A: Bring any sensory items that your child uses to help them focus, along with snacks, drinks, and something to keep you both occupied during breaks.

A: Yes, our assessors are experienced in working with children.

A: Potential Plus UK assessors are trained in child development, psychology, or teaching and have completed Certified Training as Potential Plus UK assessors (or are indicated to be Trainees and under the supervision of our Assessment Service Manager).

A: Yes. All of our assessors have up-to-date DBS checks, and parents can view the assessment room. We follow all relevant health and safety regulations.

A: Schools are not required to recognise reports from third parties. It is up to each school to decide whether to collaborate with us. We recommend that you speak with your child’s school to see if they would find an assessment report helpful. Let them know that (when parents agree) we collect school background information from them to include them in the process. Some families use our school report to find a school for their child that has or is willing to put in place the indicated provision.

A: Yes, please. The forms help the assessor understand your child’s needs and plan accordingly.

A: This gives a full picture of your child’s behaviour at home and school. Your valuable background information also places your child’s scores into context and ensures that the assessor addresses the areas relevant to supporting your child in your report.

A: It is helpful to know how your child is perceived at school and what support is in place. Involving the school also makes it more likely that they will follow the advice given. This helps the assessor to provide the best recommendations for your child’s needs. However, it is not a problem if you prefer not to involve the school, you can provide an end of year or end of term report.

A: That is okay. The assessor will examine the test scores and all the background information to help uncover why there is a difference and how best to support your child at home and school.

A: No. Our assessors are not qualified to give diagnoses of special needs but they will let you know if they find enough characteristics to request a referral for diagnostic assessments.

A: Absolutely! Your child can use their toy or book during breaks or even keep it nearby during the assessment. If it becomes a distraction, the assessor may remove it temporarily during timed tasks.

A: No, your child will not be told off. Movement needs will be noted and included in the final report, along with recommendations on how to support them.

A: This is not usually an issue since most of the assessment does not involve writing. If needed, the assessor can adapt or skip the spelling or writing tasks. This will be noted in the report.

A: Children with high learning potential usually enjoy the one-to-one attention and the fun challenges during our assessments. Potential Plus UK assessors are skilled at engaging children, and most children find the tasks stimulating. The kinds of challenges we set cover different areas and stretch in line with your child’s abilities, making it more likely that they will enjoy the exact kind of mental challenge that they have been missing.

A: This is rare but if your child refuses or disengages, the assessor will still write the report with the available information. We would discuss the best way forward with you.