Introduction
Wheeler Education is a freelance educational consultancy operated by Marc Wheeler. Marc Wheeler is a SEND and Psychological Assessment Specialist with over 20 years of experience in specialist teaching, inclusion, and assessment. He is a senior leader and Trust-wide adviser on SEND and Psychological Assessment and has undertaken formal expert witness training. He has professional experience working across both psychology and education; however, his current practice is educational in nature and grounded within a psycho-educational framework.
His qualifications, training, and professional experience include:
- PGCert SEND and Inclusion (Specialist Assessment)
- MEd Education (SEND specialism)
- Level 7 Certificate in Psychometric Testing (CCET)
- Postgraduate training in Psychology (Clinical Assessment and Intervention)
- Pearson clinical assessment training
- PGCert Autism Assessment
- BA Education
- BSc Psychology
- Cognitive Abilities Profile training
- Professional training in Autism and ADHD assessment
- Registered Test User (Psychological Testing) – British Psychological Society
- Extensive training in Autism, ADHD, social communication, SEMH, and neurodiversity
- Specialist training in cognitive assessment, communication and interaction needs
- SALT-informed practice, sensory profiling, and executive functioning
- Experienced senior leader, SENCo, and inclusion lead in primary settings, and National Facilitator for SENDCo training
- Member of professional bodies including the British Psychological Society and the Chartered College of Teaching
Marc uses recognised psychometric tools and evidence-based assessment methods in line with British Psychological Society standards and test publisher guidelines. His work is child centred, ethical, and aligned with the SEND Code of Practice.
Privacy Statement
Wheeler Education is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
What information is collected
We collect only the information necessary to carry out an educational assessment and provide appropriate advice. This may include:
• personal details about the child/young person (e.g., name, date of birth)
• background information from parents/carers and schools
• assessment responses, observations, and test results
• relevant reports from other professionals (with consent)
How information is used
Information is processed solely for the purpose of:
• conducting assessments
• providing professional advice
• writing reports and recommendations
• supporting the child/young person’s educational needs
We do not share personal information with third parties for marketing or any unrelated purpose.
Who information is shared with
Information and reports are shared only with:
• parents/carers
• the commissioning school or setting
• professionals directly involved in supporting the child/young person
Information is never shared without consent unless required by law or safeguarding responsibilities.
How information is stored
All personal data is stored securely using encrypted, password-protected systems. Only the consultant responsible for the assessment has access to the information.
How long information is kept
Records are normally retained for seven years in accordance with professional, legal and insurance requirements. Where safeguarding or legal considerations apply, records may be retained for longer. After the retention period, all records are securely deleted.
Your rights
Parents/carers have the right to:
• request access to personal information
• request corrections to inaccurate data
• request deletion of data where legally appropriate
• withdraw consent to data sharing at any time
Requests can be made by contacting marc@wheelereducation.co.uk
Payment
Payment must be made via bank transfer within 10 working days of the invoice date. Assessments will not proceed until payment has been received.
Cancellations
Appointments may be cancelled or rearranged without charge provided at least 24 hours’ notice is given. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, or failure to attend an appointment without notice, will be charged in full, as the time cannot usually be reallocated at short notice.
Once assessment work has begun, including preparation, scoring, analysis, report writing, or the issuing of assessment materials, fees for that work are non-refundable as services are considered to be in progress and partly performed.
Assessment Outcomes
- All assessments are carried out using recognised, evidence-based tools and professional judgement. However, no assessment can guarantee that a particular need will be identified, as outcomes depend solely on the child’s presentation and results.
- Similarly, no assessment can guarantee that an EHCP will be issued, as this decision rests solely with the Local Authority following their statutory processes.
Use of Reports
- Reports are provided for parents/carers to share with schools or professionals as they choose.
- Reports must not be edited, altered, or reproduced in part without permission.
- Findings reflect the child’s presentation on the dates assessed and should be considered alongside wider evidence.
Professional Standards
- All assessments are carried out in line with the British Psychological Society Code of Ethics and professional test-user standards.
- Tools are used in accordance with publisher guidance, and recommendations are made based on professional expertise.
- Assessment findings and recommendations are based on professional expertise, specialist training, and robust triangulation of evidence across multiple sources (e.g. standardised measures, observations, background information, and informant reports).
- Reports are written to a high professional standard, with a clear evidential rationale linking assessment data to conclusions and recommendations for educational planning and support.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used solely for proof-reading and editorial accuracy and is never used for the generation of assessment content, interpretations, opinions, diagnoses, or recommendations.
Safeguarding and Duty of Care
Wheeler Education has a legal duty to safeguard children and young people. If information is disclosed during assessment or consultation which indicates that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, concerns may need to be shared with relevant safeguarding agencies. Wherever possible, this will be discussed with parents/carers first, unless doing so may place the child at further risk.
Scope of Practice
- Assessments provided by Wheeler Education are designed to build a holistic understanding of a child or young person’s strengths, needs, and learning profile, in order to inform practical support and effective educational planning. The focus is on identifying how a child learns best and what forms of support are most likely to help them thrive within their educational environment.
- These assessments are educational in nature and do not constitute a medical, psychiatric, or clinical diagnosis. Formal diagnosis of conditions such as Autism or ADHD can only be made by appropriately qualified medical or diagnostic professionals. Where screening tools are used, these may indicate whether further specialist assessment could be helpful, but they do not provide a diagnosis.
- The remit of these assessments is that of specialist educational assessment undertaken from a psycho-educational perspective. They are routinely accepted by Local Authorities and tribunals to support statutory decision-making and educational planning. However, they should not be interpreted as educational psychology or clinical psychology assessments, nor as diagnostic evaluations.
Parental Responsibility and Accuracy of Information
By agreeing to an assessment, the parent/carer confirms that they hold parental responsibility for the child/young person and that all information provided is accurate to the best of their knowledge.
The accuracy of assessment findings depends on accurate, honest and complete information being shared.
Child Engagement and Assessment Environment
If a child or young person is unable to engage meaningfully with the assessment due to ill ness, anxiety, behaviour, environmental factors or lack of appropriate support, the session may need to be ended or rescheduled. Depending on circumstances, this may incur a fee in line with the cancellation policy.
Additional Work and Administrative Requests
Any additional work outside the agreed assessment package - such as extended communication with external professionals, additional written summaries, or attendance at meetings - may incur further charges. These will always be discussed and agreed with parents/carers in advance.
Travel Costs (if applicable)
Where assessments or meetings take place outside Plymouth, reasonable travel costs may be applied. Any such costs will be discussed and agreed in advance.
Retention of Essential Administrative Records
While administrative records such as invoices and booking information are retained in line with financial and tax regulations, assessment data and reports are stored and retained in accordance with the data retention policy outlined in this contract.
Complaints Procedure
Concerns or complaints should be raised in writing in the first instance. All complaints will be acknowledged within five working days and responded to in writing within 20 working days, wherever reasonably possible. If a resolution cannot be reached directly, parents/carers may seek further guidance from relevant advisory or professional bodies.
Responsibilities of Parents/Carers
- Parents/carers agree to provide accurate, honest and complete information about the child/young person, including relevant background details, school information, developmental history and any professional reports. Assessment outcomes rely on the accuracy of the information provided.
- Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring the child or young person is prepared for assessment. This includes making sure they are well-rested, well enough to participate, have eaten beforehand and have any necessary medication, aids or equipment available. Children should arrive on time to allow the session to run as planned.
- Where assessments take place at home or online, parents/carers agree to provide a quiet and distraction-free environment. Siblings, pets and household activity should not interrupt the session.
- Parents/carers should support engagement by preparing the child beforehand and encouraging participation where appropriate. If a child is unable to engage meaningfully due to illness, anxiety, behaviour or environmental factors, the assessment may need to be ended or rescheduled and may still incur a fee depending on circumstances.
- Parents/carers agree to facilitate communication with the school where relevant and give consent for school staff to share information that will support the assessment. Schools may also be asked to complete questionnaires or provide background information.
- Parents/carers understand that assessment outcomes cannot be predetermined and that results reflect the child’s presentation on the day. No assessment can guarantee a diagnosis or the issuing of an EHCP, as these decisions lie with medical professionals and Local Authorities.
- Parents/carers agree to share reports responsibly and in full. Reports must not be edited, altered or presented in part without permission.
- Where reports are shared externally, parents/carers are responsible for ensuring the full document is provided.
- Parents/carers agree to maintain respectful and professional communication at all times. Abusive or inappropriate communication may result in services being withdrawn.
Liability
Wheeler Education shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss arising from the use of assessment services or reports. Liability shall in all cases be limited to the total fee paid for the relevant assessment service, except in cases of death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
Statutory Cancellation Rights
Where this agreement is formed remotely (for example, online or by email), parents/carers normally have the right to cancel within 14 days under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
Hardship Fund
Eligibility
Families may be considered for support if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
• The family receives income-based benefits (such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or similar).
• The child or young person is eligible for Free School Meals or Pupil Premium.
• The family is experiencing temporary financial hardship, such as job loss or unexpected financial difficulties.
• The school or another professional has identified the family as being in financial need.
Eligibility is assessed fairly and sensitively, with no obligation to share information beyond what is required to make a decision.
What the Hardship Fund Can Support
Support may include:
• A partial reduction in the assessment fee
• A full reduction in exceptional circumstances
• A payment plan if appropriate
• Reduced-cost or waived fees for optional reports
Support levels depend on available funds and the needs of the child or young person.
How to Apply
Parents/carers can apply for Hardship Fund support by contacting marc@wheelereducation.co.uk
Applications should include:
• A brief explanation of financial circumstances
• Any relevant supporting information (e.g., receipt of benefits, FSM eligibility)
• The assessment or service they are seeking support for
All applications are treated confidentially and with sensitivity.
Decisions will be communicated promptly, and families will not be asked to justify personal circumstances beyond what is necessary for assessment of the application.
By engaging in services provided by Wheeler Education, you agree to the below statement.
- I have read, understood and agree to the full terms and conditions outlined in this contract.
- I give consent for the assessment to be carried out and for personal data to be processed as described in the Privacy Statement.
- I confirm that I hold parental responsibility for the child/young person.
- I understand that no assessment can guarantee the identification of a specific need or guarantee an EHCP outcome.
