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CHESHIRE DYSLEXIA
ASSESSMENTS

Cheshire Dyslexia Assessments

Expert Diagnostic Dyslexia Evaluations

Supporting students and families across the North West with professional, independent assessments and clear paths for progress.

APC Qualified

Assessments carried out by a specialist teacher holding a current Assessment Practising Certificate.

Formal Recognition

Our reports are recognised by schools, colleges, and for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

Modern Process

Digital pre-assessment portal ensures a streamlined experience for parents and schools.

A Modern Understanding of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects approximately 6.3 million people in the UK. It is primarily a processing difference that affects skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.

However, dyslexia is far more complex than just literacy difficulties. It is a neurological difference in how the brain processes information. At Cheshire Dyslexia Assessments, we believe in looking beyond the struggle to identify the unique Dyslexic Thinking skills that each individual possesses.

The Dyslexic Profile

  • Difficulties with phonological awareness (sounds in words).
  • Slow reading, writing, and information processing speeds.
  • Challenges with spelling and handwriting accuracy.
  • Issues with personal organisation and time management.
  • Difficulties with working memory (holding info in the mind).
  • Struggles with focus, attention, or sequencing.

Dyslexic Thinking Strengths

  • Big Picture Thinking: Seeing patterns and trends others miss.
  • Creative Problem Solving: Intuitive and "out-of-the-box" strategies.
  • Visual-Spatial Skills: Exceptional 3D awareness and visual reasoning.
  • Empathy: High emotional intelligence and social awareness.
  • Innovation: A natural bias toward discovery and curiosity.
  • Narrative Reasoning: Learning efficiently through experience.

The Hidden Impact

When dyslexia is unrecognised, it can lead to more than just academic struggle. Many individuals experience low self-esteem, academic anxiety, or social isolation.

A formal diagnostic assessment is the first step in changing this narrative—shifting from a "deficit" view to one of understanding and empowerment.

Tina Baldwin

Tina Baldwin

Lead Assessor

I am a passionate advocate for individuals with neurodiversity, bringing a knowledgeable, understanding, and creative approach to every assessment. As a parent of three children, I truly understand the unique pressures and emotional weight of supporting a child through their educational journey.

I draw on my wealth of experience as a parent, a specialist SpLD teacher, and a Level 7 qualified dyslexia assessor to provide meaningful, personalised diagnostic assessments and tuition. By focusing on an individual’s core strengths, I work to unlock their full potential and reframe their understanding of their own learning profile.

Caring and professional, I am here to guide you and your family through each step of the assessment process with clarity and compassion.

Professional Experience

Over the years,I have supported children with a wide range of additional needs including:

  • Dyslexia and other SpLDs
  • ADHD
  • Autism and social communication differences
  • Emotional and behavioural needs
  • Children with English as an additional language (EAL)

These roles give me deep insight into the daily challenges children face and the limitations of "one-size-fits-all" support. Real change happens when children receive both understanding and action.

Memberships & Certifications

  • PATOSS Professional Member (PPM)
  • Current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC)
  • Approved Practioner Status (APS)
  • Enhanced DBS Certificate Registered to the Update Service
  • Up-to-date Safeguarding Training
  • ICO Registered
  • Full Professional Indemnity Insurance
  • First Aid Trained

Our Services

Specialist Tuition

Personalised support tailored to the individual learning profile of each student to build confidence and skills.

Diagnostic Assessments

A thorough evaluation covering literacy skills, memory, and cognitive processing to provide a full diagnostic profile.

Access Arrangements

Evaluations for exam accommodations such as extra time, laptop use, or specific reader/scribe requirements.

Feedback & Success Stories

"I couldn’t recommend Tina highly enough. She carried out a dyslexia assessment for our daughter and made the entire experience positive and enjoyable for her, while also easing our anxieties as parents. Tina was warm, professional, and reassuring throughout. The assessment process was smooth from start to finish, with all our questions answered clearly. The final report was extremely thorough and insightful, and has been invaluable in helping us understand and support our daughter moving forward."

— MW, Parent (Trafford)

"We had a fantastic experience with Tina at Cheshire Dyslexia Assessments. From the very first contact, she arranged a timely appointment and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. Most importantly, Tina made our daughter feel completely at ease, which meant she was comfortable and able to complete all the necessary tasks with confidence. The assessment itself was thorough and professional. The report we received was incredibly detailed and insightful... We would highly recommend Tina to anyone considering an assessment."

— MC, Parent (Cheshire)

"A thoughtful and supportive dyslexia assessment, carried out with great care. Everything was clearly explained, and the final report was both reassuring and practical. Tina comes highly recommended."

— DP, Parent (Sale)

"Tina was patient, knowledgeable, and made the assessment feel positive rather than stressful. The results were explained clearly, and the recommendations were genuinely helpful. We’re very glad we went ahead."

— SL, Parent (Northwich)

Enquire Today

Our Location

Cheshire Dyslexia Assessments
Timperley, Altrincham

Map View

Secure Client Portal

Please enter the code provided in your confirmation email to access the questionnaires.

Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Cheshire Dyslexia Assessments is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal data. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information provided by parents, students, and schools in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. The Data We Collect

To provide a professional diagnostic assessment, we must collect "Special Category Data," which requires higher levels of protection. This includes:

  • Contact Information: Names, emails, and phone numbers of parents/guardians.
  • Student Details: Name, date of birth, and current school.
  • Educational History: School reports, previous test results, and samples of work.
  • Health & Development: Background information regarding birth history, milestones, and any known medical or neurodivergent conditions (e.g., ADHD, Autism).

3. How We Collect Data

Data is collected through:

  • The CDA Digital Portal: Secure links to Microsoft Forms and OneDrive.
  • Direct Communication: Emails and phone consultations.
  • The Assessment Day: Observations and standardized test results.

4. Purpose of Processing

We only use your data to:

  • Conduct formal diagnostic assessments for dyslexia and related SpLDs.
  • Provide tailored educational recommendations and tuition.
  • Communicate with you regarding appointments and results.
  • Comply with professional standards required by PATOSS and SASC.

5. Data Security & Storage

We implement strict technical and organizational measures to keep your data safe:

  • Secure Portal: Access to questionnaire links is restricted via a passcode-gated portal.
  • Encryption: We use Microsoft 365 business-grade cloud storage with "View Only" or restricted link permissions.
  • Physical Security: Any paper notes taken during assessment are stored in a locked filing cabinet and digitized as soon as practicable.

6. Data Retention

We do not keep personal data longer than necessary.

  • Full Reports: Typically held until the student reaches age 25 (or for 7 years after the assessment for adults) to comply with insurance and professional standards.
  • Initial Enquiries: Deleted after 12 months if an assessment does not go ahead.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Access: You can request a copy of the data we hold about you.
  • Correction: You can ask us to fix inaccurate information.
  • Erasure: You can ask us to delete your data (subject to legal or professional retention requirements).
  • Withdraw Consent: Where we rely on consent to process data, you can withdraw it at any time.

8. Concerns and Complaints

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Tina Baldwin. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.