The right level of investigation, at the right time
A full diagnostic assessment isn't always the first step. Learnability offers a range of screenings and focused assessments that give families and schools a proportionate, affordable way to understand a learner's needs - and clear advice on what, if anything, to do next.
Dyslexia Screening
A dyslexia screening is a shorter, more affordable first look at a learner's literacy and underlying processing skills. Using standardised screening measures, it indicates whether a learner is showing the patterns associated with dyslexia and to what level.
A screening is a good fit when concerns are emerging but it isn't yet clear whether a full diagnostic assessment is justified, or when a school wants an informed second opinion before committing to further steps. Every screening ends with clear, written feedback: what was found, what it suggests, and whether a full assessment is recommended.
Dyscalculia Screening
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty affecting number sense - the intuitive grasp of quantity and number that underpins arithmetic. Learners with dyscalculia may struggle to estimate, to recall number facts, or to judge which of two numbers is larger, despite good teaching and genuine effort.
Our dyscalculia screening looks at number sense, number fact retrieval, calculation fluency and mathematical reasoning, and considers how the learner's maths profile compares with their other abilities. Feedback explains whether the pattern points towards dyscalculia, general maths difficulty, gaps in learning, or maths anxiety, each of which calls for a different kind of support. Whether fuller investigation is recommended is also discussed.
ADHD Screening
Attention difficulties can look very like - and often co-occur with - specific learning difficulties, so understanding a learner's attention profile can be an important piece of the puzzle. We can offer ADHD screening to identify markers of ADHD and support onward referral.
Screening with QbCheck
The screening uses QbCheck, an objective, computer-based measure of the three core areas associated with ADHD: attention, impulsivity and activity. During the test, the learner responds to symbols on a screen while an infrared camera precisely tracks their movement. The session takes around 15–20 minutes.
The results are standardised, producing a clear, objective report of the learner's attention, impulse control and activity levels; information that simply cannot be gathered from observation or questionnaires alone.
Supporting onward referral
ADHD can only be formally diagnosed by an appropriately qualified clinician, such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist. What a QbCheck screening provides is objective evidence of ADHD markers: it helps families and schools decide whether a clinical referral and paying for one, is warranted. Where markers are identified, we will explain the findings clearly and signpost the appropriate onward referral route, such as via the GP or through a private clinician.
Literacy Assessment
A literacy assessment is a focused evaluation of a learner's reading and writing skills, using nationally standardised tests. It measures reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension, spelling, and writing, showing clearly where a learner's attainment sits in relation to their age.
A literacy assessment is useful when a family or school wants a clear, objective picture of a learner's current literacy levels. It aims to establish a baseline, to measure the impact of support already in place, or to inform targeted teaching, without the scope of a full diagnostic assessment. Results are reported clearly, with practical recommendations for school and home.
Numeracy Assessment
A numeracy assessment is a focused evaluation of a learner's mathematical skills, using nationally standardised tests. It measures number knowledge, calculation accuracy and fluency, and mathematical reasoning, showing clearly where a learner's attainment sits in relation to their age.
A numeracy assessment is useful when a family or school wants an objective picture of a learner's current maths levels. This aims to establish a baseline, to measure progress, or to understand why maths is proving harder than expected. It identifies specific strengths and gaps and, where the profile suggests something more than a gap in learning, such as indicators of dyscalculia, fuller investigation can be recommended. Results are reported clearly, with practical recommendations for school and home.
Training for Schools
Learnability delivers INSET and CPD for schools, grounded in Rowena's years as a school SENCo - practical, classroom-ready strategies rather than theory alone. Topics include understanding dyslexia, dyslexia-friendly classrooms, making sense of diagnostic reports, and identifying learners who may need referral for assessment.
Sessions are tailored to each setting and can run as twilight CPD, half-day or full-day INSET, for whole staff or targeted groups. Schools also work with Learnability on an ongoing basis for assessments, screenings and advice on provision.