Specialist diagnostic dyslexia and dyscalculia assessments, screening assessments and 1:1 teaching in the South West covering Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
My name is Amanda Stokes and I am the founder of Dyslexia Care. After 20 years as a classroom teacher, I have been a qualified dyslexia assessor for over 8 years. I also offer dyscalculia assessments. Assessments can take place at my home in Sidmouth where there is parking and a separate room for parents/carers if they want to stay. I can also carry out assessments at the individual's home or school if appropriate in the surrounding areas in Devon, Dorset and Somerset. I have experience of working with individuals with a range of neurodevelopment disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)..
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I offer:
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specialist diagnostic dyslexia assessments.
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specialist diagnostic dyscalculia assessments.
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shorter screening assessments in maths and literacy.
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personalised 1:1 literacy and maths teaching.
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Access Arrangements (AA) to schools
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support to schools with EHCNA requests and supporting individuals with dyslexia
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Qualifications / memberships
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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with BEd (Hons)
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Level 7 Specialist Teaching of Pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia)
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Level 5 Dyscalculia Association
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Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCO)
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Assessing Practicing Certificate (APC) number 23/APC08147
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Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA)
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Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) registration number ZB887308
I have an enhanced DBS certificate and professional indemnity insurance.
Early identification of dyslexia enables the individual to have the support and intervention they need before the achievement gap widens between them and their peers of the same age.
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If you would like to discuss the assessment process or are not sure whether an assessment is suitable, please contact me by telephone or email. I offer a free consultation where we can discuss the best way I can help your child.
The assessment and the process
If your child is having difficulties with reading and/or spelling, you may wish to consider a full diagnostic dyslexia assessment. I can complete full diagnostic assessments for dyslexia for 8-18 year olds. A full diagnostic assessment by a qualified assessor is the only way to give a diagnosis of dyslexia. ​​​​A dyslexia assessment costs £425 and the cost of a dyscalculia assessment is £435. I also offer a combined dyslexia and dyscalculia assessment.
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Before the assessment, I will gather background information about the individual. This will be used to help inform me when ​writing the report.
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The dyslexia assessment takes approximately 2 1/2 hours. Regular breaks will be given as often as needed. My aim is to make the individual feel as comfortable as possible. The process will include assessments of underlying verbal and visual ability, cognitive skills (including working memory and phonological awareness), reading, spelling and writing. It is important that the individual has had a recent eyesight test (within the last 12 months) and any visual difficulties investigated.
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The assessments can be carried out at the assessor's home in Sidmouth, at your home or at the individual's school if mutually agreed, in Devon, Dorset or Somerset. I have an enhanced DBS certificate.
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After the assessment, you will receive a detailed report adhering to SASC standards within 15 working days detailing whether a diagnosis has been given. A diagnosis is not guaranteed but the report can be used to identify the individual's strengths and areas to support with recommendations. ​If identified, the dyslexia diagnosis is lifelong.​
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If your child is having maths difficulties, please contact me as there are many reasons why someone may have difficulties in maths, and not all of them are due to dyscalculia. The process for a dyscalculia assessment is the same as for dyslexia, but different assessments are used and it may take slightly longer.
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Parent, Ottery St Mary, Devon, May 2025
"During the dyslexia assessment, Amanda completely put Sam at ease and he came out so positively from the experience."
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Parent, Ottery St Mary, Devon
J, Parent, June 2025
The whole process with Amanda was incredibly professional and compassionate. Amanda took time to listen to our concerns, ask meaningful questions about my daughter’s development and school experience, and explained what the assessment would involve.
During the assessment, our daughter was made to feel comfortable and at ease. The environment was really calm and child-friendly.
The final report is extremely thorough and easy to understand. It highlighted strengths; something I really appreciated. Most importantly, it included clear, practical recommendations for how we can support our daughter both at home and in school.
If you’re a parent wondering whether to have your child assessed, I can’t recommend this enough. It gave us the clarity we needed and a path forward. We would definitely recommend Amanda.
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KM, Parent, July 2025
My daughter "came home so positive from the experience and really enjoyed her time with you."
Please contact me at Dyslexia Care for further information.
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Sidmouth
Devon EX10