Assessment tools to use in your setting

For many children/young people, using additional assessments, e.g. standardised reading test, will help clarify their needs and monitor progress. 

This section suggests assessment tools that schools might use to learn more about the child/young person’s difficulties within the four broad areas of need.

Communication and interaction

• WellComm - EYFS, KS1 and 2
• British Picture Vocabulary Scale - GL Assessment
• The Renfrew Language Scales - Book Series - Routledge & CRC Press
• Progression Framework – Autism Education Trust

Cognition and learning

Standardised reading tests- accuracy and decoding scores

• New Salford Sentence Reading Test
• New Group Reading Test
• York Assessment of Reading for Comprehension (YARC)

Standardised spelling tests

• Helen Arkell Spelling Test (HAST 2)
• New Group Spelling Test

Standardised phonological skills test

• Phonological Assessment Battery
• Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing CTOPP-2

Handwriting

• Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting – age 9-16 DASH-2

Standardised mathematics test

• Sandwell Early Numeracy Test
• New Group Maths Test (NGMT)

Working memory

• Working Memory Rating Scale

Social, emotional and mental health

• Boxall Profile Online
• Personal Education Plan (PEP) Toolkit
• SDQ Virtual School Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

Physical/sensory difficulties

• Occupational therapy