Emma Stokes
- Bedford, Central Bedfordshire
- Member since Jan 2024
- 07724733230
- [email protected]
Services: Dyscalculia Assessment at the assessor’s address or an agreed locationSpecialist maths tuition onlineSpecialist maths tutor at tutor’s address or an agreed location
Ages: 9 to 14AdultF/EPrimarySecondary
CRB - Enhanced
November 17, 2022
A CBD check typically refers to a Criminal Background Disclosure (or Criminal Background Check), which is a process used to verify if an individual has any criminal convictions or records. This is commonly required for jobs or roles involving work with vulnerable groups, such as children or people with disabilities.
What a CBD Check Usually Involves:
- Checking police records for any criminal convictions, cautions, or warnings.
- Verifying if someone is on a barred list (e.g., barred from working with children or vulnerable adults).
- Sometimes includes identity verification and checks across different jurisdictions.
- The checking is carried out once per year.
Why It Matters:
- Ensures the safety and protection of vulnerable people.
- Required by employers before hiring for sensitive positions, like teachers, healthcare workers, or social workers.
- Helps maintain trust and legal compliance within organisations.
About
I am a fully qualified specialist teacher and SpLD assessor, holding an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC), with expertise in dyslexia, dyscalculia, and specific learning difficulties in mathematics. Since 2017, I have been working independently, providing diagnostic assessments and tailored tuition for learners of all ages. I offer both online and face-to-face appointments, making support accessible and flexible to suit individual needs.
With over 20 years in education, I have supported learners across a wide range of abilities and settings. I work closely with each individual to create personalised strategies that can either support academic qualifications or focus on building essential skills and confidence in mathematics. My approach is always tailored: every learner’s strengths, challenges, and goals shape the way we work together.
I understand firsthand how challenging school can feel for learners with dyslexia or dyscalculia. Having seen a close family member struggle, I know that sometimes just being understood is half the battle. My ethos is grounded in patience, empathy, and practical strategies, helping learners to not only improve their skills but also gain confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement.
APC qualification
The Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) is a professional certification that permits you to carry out and sign off diagnostic assessments for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), including dyslexia and dyscalculia, particularly for access arrangements (e.g., exam accommodations) and funding (e.g., Disabled Students’ Allowance – DSA).
Note: Not all Level 7 qualifications automatically grant the right to assess independently for official purposes. The APC confirms your eligibility.
Conditions Needed for Holding an APC (Dyscalculia)
To be awarded and maintain an APC, you typically must meet the following criteria:
- Level 7 Qualification in SpLD Assessment & Reporting
- You must hold a Level 7 postgraduate qualification in SpLD diagnostic assessment, with a strong focus on dyslexia and/or dyscalculia.
- This should include training in:
- Psychometric testing
- Cognitive profiling
- Report writing for formal diagnoses
- Specialist Teacher Status / Registration
You should also have one or more of the following:
- Membership with a professional body, e.g.:
- PATOSS
- BDA (British Dyslexia Association)
- ADSHE
- The Dyslexia Guild
- Current Professional Practice
- You must be actively assessing learners for SpLDs.
- You need to demonstrate recent and relevant practice (usually within the last 2 years).
- You must submit examples of your reports as part of your application or renewal.
- Knowledge of Legal and Ethical Standards
- Must demonstrate understanding of:
- JCQ Guidelines (for access arrangements)
- SASC report-writing standards
- Equality Act 2010
- Ethical practice in assessment and confidentiality
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- You need to show regular CPD, typically:
- 30+ hours over 3 years
- At least some CPD related specifically to dyscalculia, if that’s your focus
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Required if you’re operating independently or in private practice
- An APC is valid for 3 years and renewal requires:
- Evidence of recent assessment work
- Submission of updated reports
- CPD record
- Continued adherence to SASC standards
Disclaimer: The Dyscalculia Network takes the utmost care to check that the assessors and tutors who are listed on the website hold the actual qualifications that are included on their individual profile page. The copies of certificates and references are kept on record by The Dyscalculia Network but will not be displayed on their profile page.
