Diagnostic Assessment

This provides more specific information about a particular learner and their basic skills abilities in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This is usually undertaken during induction or in the early stages of the programmes. It is needed to inform the ILP and provides the evidence for the appropriateness of the learning plan.

Examples of diagnostic assessment tools:

- Basic Skills Agency/DfES Diagnostic Assessment tools

- West Nottinghamshire College Basic and Keyskillbuilder

- A useful document with guidelines on screening and initial and diagnostic assessments is the DfES’ Planning Learning, Recording Progress and Reporting Achievement

- Read the NRDC review of adult literacy and numeracy assessment instruments

Order the “Good Practice Guidelines in Screening and Initial Assessment” from DfES Publications (0845 60 222 60 - ref. SFLGPG).
Alternatively, you can download a PDF version of the document here.

Update : Following the first phase of trialling and development, revised trial versions of the literacy and numeracy skills check (formerly known as 'screening') and initial assessment tools are now available to download from this site and to order as hard copies visit the Tools Library website.