Parent guide

How much does a dyslexia assessment cost in York?

By Becky Stamp, Specialist Dyslexia Practitioner · Tiny Tutor York

If you think your child might be dyslexic, one of the first questions is usually the same: how do we get them assessed, and what will it cost? Here is an honest guide to how it works in and around York.

What a full diagnostic assessment actually is

A full diagnostic assessment is carried out by a specialist assessor with a Level 7 qualification, usually holding an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). It is not a quick screening quiz. A comprehensive dyslexia assessment typically looks at reading, spelling, writing, phonological awareness, working memory and processing speed. It also considers family history, developmental and educational background, observations made during the assessment, and other qualitative information from parents, teachers and the individual themselves. All of this evidence is brought together into a detailed written report that explains whether your child's profile is consistent with dyslexia and provides clear, personalised recommendations to support their learning.

That report matters. Schools can use it to shape support, and it forms part of the evidence for exam access arrangements such as extra time.

What it costs around York

Prices vary with what is included, so always check the assessor holds a current APC and that a full written report is part of the fee.

Why so many families go private

In theory, school is the free route. In practice, schools do not diagnose dyslexia, and the wider SEND system is under real pressure. In the City of York, Education, Health and Care Plans have risen by more than 40% in three years. Families routinely describe waiting months, sometimes years, for the school route to produce answers, while a private assessment can usually be booked within weeks.

None of that is a criticism of schools. It is simply the reason many parents decide the certainty of a private assessment is worth paying for.

Does your child definitely need one?

Not always, or at least not immediately. A diagnosis is most valuable when you need formal recognition: for exam access arrangements, for evidence in EHCP conversations, or simply for a child who deserves to understand how their brain works. But support does not have to wait for a piece of paper. Specialist teaching methods work whether or not a diagnosis is in place, and starting them early is usually the single best thing you can do.

What you can do while you wait

• Ask school what support they can put in place now, at the "SEN support" level, without any diagnosis.
• Start structured, multi-sensory literacy support at home or with a specialist. Little and often beats occasional and long.
• Protect confidence. Most dyslexic children are working twice as hard as their classmates for less reward, and they feel it.
• Keep notes of what you see: examples of work, things teachers say, how homework goes. It all becomes useful evidence later.