What is Dyslexia, SEN Support and Educational Assessment?
A clear guide for parents, schools and adults in the UK.

Introduction

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If you are searching for “what is dyslexia”, “what is SEN support” or “what is an educational assessment”, you are usually looking for clear, simple explanations that help you understand what support is available and whether it applies to you or your child.

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I provide specialist assessments and SEN guidance through Wiltshire SEN Assessment, working with children, adults, families and schools across Wiltshire and surrounding areas.

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This page explains the key terms in plain English so you can understand what they mean and what steps to take next.

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What is dyslexia? Symptoms, causes and support

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Dyslexia is a learning difference that mainly affects reading, spelling and written language processing. It does not reflect intelligence, but it can make learning more challenging without the right support.

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Common symptoms include difficulty reading fluently, problems with spelling, slow writing speed and difficulty remembering written information. While the exact cause of dyslexia is linked to how the brain processes language, it is lifelong but highly manageable with the right strategies.

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I assess dyslexia through structured diagnostic testing and provide clear recommendations for support in education, work and daily life.

 

What is SEN support in schools?

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SEN support in schools refers to the additional help provided to pupils who have special educational needs that affect their learning. This support may include classroom strategies, targeted interventions, extra time, specialist teaching or assistive technology. SEN support is designed to help children access learning in a way that meets their individual needs.

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Through Wiltshire SEN Assessment, I help identify learning needs so schools can put appropriate support in place.

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What is an educational assessment?

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An educational assessment is a structured evaluation of how someone learns, processes information and performs in key academic areas. It typically includes testing of reading, writing, memory, attention and cognitive processing skills. The purpose is to identify learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or other SEN needs.

 

I carry out educational assessments to provide clear diagnostic outcomes and practical recommendations that can be used by schools, universities and workplaces.

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What is dyscalculia?

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Dyscalculia is a learning difference that affects understanding of numbers, mathematical concepts and numerical reasoning. It can make tasks such as basic calculations, time management or understanding quantities more difficult. Signs may include difficulty learning times tables, confusion with numbers and anxiety around maths tasks.

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I assess dyscalculia by evaluating numerical processing and cognitive skills to understand how a person learns maths and what support will help.

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What is alternative provision in education?

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Alternative provision refers to education delivered outside mainstream school settings for children and young people who cannot access regular classroom learning effectively.

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This may be used for behavioural needs, emotional challenges, learning difficulties or temporary educational disruption. Alternative provision is designed to provide structured support, tailored learning approaches and pathways back into appropriate education where possible.

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I help families and schools understand when alternative provision may be suitable through clear assessment and guidance.

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Why clear definitions matter in SEN support

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Clear understanding of SEN terms helps parents, schools and individuals make informed decisions about assessments and support. Many families come to me unsure whether what they are seeing is dyslexia, another learning difference or something else entirely. Through structured assessment at Wiltshire SEN Assessment, I help turn uncertainty into clarity with practical next steps.​

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Why choose Wiltshire SEN Assessment

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I provide specialist SEN and educational assessments across Wiltshire and surrounding areas. My focus is on:

• Clear explanations without jargon 

• Accurate diagnostic assessment 

• Practical recommendations that can be used immediately 

• Support for children, adults, families and schools 

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If you are unsure what type of support is needed, I can help you understand the next step.

 

Find out more about me, my experience and qualifications.

Contact Wiltshire SEN Assessment to discuss your situation or book an assessment.

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FAQs

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What is dyslexia in simple terms?

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects reading, spelling and written language processing.

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What is SEN support in schools?

It is additional help provided to pupils who need extra support to access learning.

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What is an educational assessment?

It is a structured evaluation of learning abilities to identify strengths, difficulties and potential learning differences.

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What is dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a difficulty with understanding numbers and mathematical concepts.

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What is alternative provision in education?

It is education delivered outside mainstream school for learners who need a different learning environment.