1. Standardised assessments often simply confirm what people who closely work with and observe the child already know; similar information can be gained through consultation and discussions of how the child responds to learning and everyday tasks.

Formal assessment gives us a “snapshot in time” while a series of 2-3 consultations helps to see a child’s progress over time and explore contributing factors, whilst costing everyone a lot less.

2. During consultation, key adults who support the child can problem-solve together, this means that they are more likely to “own” the strategies discussed and choose ones they feel best fit the child, the school context, and current home/family life. This is much more effective than a long list of strategies suggested by an external professional.

3. Records of consultation, while being brief and much quicker to write, naturally slot into the school records of support (e.g. APDR, IEPs) and can be used to request additional funding or support from other professionals.

4. Consultation offers a very important opportunity to review what is working, troubleshoot issues with strategies, adjust and develop our understanding of the child’s challenges, and ensure ongoing implementation of support.

5. Consultation is always the first step in our wider assessment process. If your child needs further assessment in the form of standardised testing, we will recommend this, and, through our consultations, we will already be well on the way to helping them!

6. Consultation creates the opportunity for holistic wrap-around support for a child or young person and the key adults who support them. It is our gold standard as psychologists.