Spld
Assessments
PATOSS Professional Member
(East Midlands)
Mr Ed Garnham BA(Hons), PGCE, CertEd (SPLD), DipPsych, CertEd (SLD/PMLD), DipCBSS, PPM
I’ve spent the last 25 years teaching and working with all ages in both mainstream and special schools across Nottinghamshire, and for the past 10 years I’ve focused on assessments.
After completing my degree, I continued my studies in psychology, and joined the British Psychological Society. I then undertook further postgraduate training in SpLD Education and became a registered assessor with PATOSS.
Along the way, I spent many years as a SENDCO, so I understand what it is like for schools and what can be done. I completed an advanced diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which I use almost every week in my work. I also worked with NHS CAMHS as a link, providing mental health advice and training to schools, nurses and GPs. I'm always training myself and researching as we are finding out more all the time.
SpLDs fascinate me because this combines an understanding of mental health, psychology, education, and whatever else may be going on for somebody. I've never met 2 people the same over almost 1000 assessments.
Professional Registration and Memberships:
Current Assessment Practice certificate (APC) and full Associate Membership with The Professional Association for Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS)
Member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsS)
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Relevant Qualifications:
2017 - Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Studies
2012 - Post Graduate Certificate in Education of Pupils with SpLDs
2008 - Post Graduate Certificate in Education of Pupils with SLD / PMLD
2007 - Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology
2002 - Post Graduate Certificate in Education (QTS)
1. Comprehensive Assessment: I use a wide range of tools and approaches to identify strengths and challenges accurately. This will include pivoting to explore alternate possibilites when dyslexia (for example) is not identified. This will reduce the need for repeated referrals and assessments.
2. Holistic Approach: I consider educational and mental health needs, understanding that SpLDs often coincide with other SpLDs or conditions like anxiety, depression, or Speech Language and Communication Needs and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). This allows clearer identification and more refined support.
3. Expertise and Experience: With a (long) background in psychology, teaching, special needs education and mental health , I can offer a very broad assesssment and wide ranging, effective guidance / interventions. I have extensive experience of all of the learning difficulties described and many more, as I now approach my 25th year in this field.
