Assessments are screening tools, not formal diagnoses; they are intended to provide an initial indication of potential concerns
6.30 Support for learning difficulties may be required when children and young people learn at a slower pace than their peers, even with appropriate differentiation. Learning difficulties cover a wide range of needs, including moderate learning difficulties (MLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), where children are likely to need support in all areas of the curriculum and associated difficulties with mobility and communication, through to profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), where children are likely to have severe and complex learning difficulties as well as a physical disability or sensory impairment.
6.31 Specific learning difficulties (SpLD), affect one or more specific aspects of learning. This encompasses a range of conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.
Typical needs: dyslexia, dyscalculia, memory difficulties, general learning difficulties.
Assessments:
- Pinpoint areas of cognitive delay or learning barriers
- Support differentiated teaching and curriculum access
- Enable targeted interventions like phonics or numeracy support
These tools build a picture of how a child or young person learns, processes information, remembers, and applies literacy or numeracy skills — all central to C&L.