Who can be referred for an assessment?
While the Centre maintains an open referral policy, pre-referral liaison with local support teams is recommended, and early referral is encouraged. However, direct approaches are welcomed from anyone associated with children and young people who are in full-time education and who have communication and/or physical difficulties. Above all, children with complex and ongoing special needs which affect their communication and curricular access are welcome. All referrals must have the approval of the young person`s parents and head teacher. No child is automatically offered an assessment, and appointments are made following approval at regular team meetings.
Who carries out the assessment?
Members of the experienced interdisciplinary team of teachers, therapists and technologists are involved in ACE Centre assessments. The assessment team work together, while parents and local professionals are invited to contribute their own ideas and expertise to the assessment process. Assessments are conducted in a friendly and informal atmosphere in which flexibility can be readily accommodated.
Where do assessments take place?
Assessments take place where, in the interests of the child, it is most appropriate. This may be at the ACE Centre, at the child’s school or, sometimes, at home. In practice, most first-time assessments are held at the ACE Centre because of the complexity of need and the opportunity to be flexible in providing optimal solutions.
What are the outcomes of an assessment?
A detailed assessment report with a set of clear and realistic recommendations is circulated to key people involved with the child, and the ACE Centre encourages schools, local support services and health trusts to carry out these recommendations. In many cases the report is attached to a child’s statement or annual review. If appropriate, equipment may be borrowed from the Centre's loan library for a trial period. Another important outcome is a follow-up training or support session, held within a year of the assessment. This focuses on key aspects of the report’s recommendations. Given that children’s needs change over time, an ACE Centre assessment may only be the first of many contacts with a child or their support team.
Can the support team be trained?
Post-assessment training sessions at the Centre are available for those supporting young people who have been assessed at The ACE Centre. The two and a half hour sessions are designed to assist successful implementation of the recommendations of the assessment through training with appropriate software, hardware and low and high tech communication aids. This charge for this training (for up to five people) is £100.
Is the assessment service independent?
The ACE Centre prides itself on offering up-to-date and independent advice. It has no particular ‘axe to grind’ nor, in an age of increasing commercialism, does it have any vested interests. Our only aim is to provide appropriate and unbiased advice.
Is there a charge for an ACE Centre assessment?
The ACE Centre has reluctantly decided to make a charge for assessments. All new assessments now being booked will cost £300 (+VAT). This charge includes one half day's support if this is taken within 12 months of the assessment. If this support is not at the ACE Centre travel will be charged at 30p per mile (+VAT). The charge for a 2 and a half hour assessment training session (without the child being present) is £75 (+VAT). The cost of our assessment package is subsidised by the funding we receive from BECTa.
How do I refer a child for an assessment?
Contact the ACE Centre Administrator, Val Broadhurst, for details about making a referral.
|
