Learn About DARA
DARA (DysGuise Assessment Reports Assistant) is your one-stop reports system, designed to guide professionals through every stage of diagnostic report writing.
What is DARA?
Developed in line with the latest SASC guidance, DARA offers a structured, intuitive workflow that reduces clerical errors and shows SASC guidance notes right where you need them (and allows you to add in your own notes).
It ensures your reports are clear, compliant, and consistent. Whether you’re writing up a complex profile or a straightforward assessment, DARA streamlines the process—so you can spend less time on formatting and more time on analysis. With DARA, you’re not just writing faster—you’re writing better.
What are the benefits of DARA?
How does DARA work?
DARA guides you through the report-writing process, helping you work more efficiently while keeping your reports clear, accurate and up to date.
Choose Your Report Format
Select from a range of SASC report formats, then enter client details, scores and results. DARA automatically completes appendices with score tables, test descriptors and references.
Guidance Where You Need It
Access the latest SASC guidance alongside each report section, with space to create your own notes to cut and paste where appropriate.
Reduce Common Errors
Built-in checks help prevent common mistakes, supporting a professional, well-formatted and clearly structured report.
Always Up to Date
Because DARA is web-based, you can be confident you are using the latest version and guidance every time you log in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use DARA straight away, or do I need training?
DARA has been designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with input from assessors throughout the development process. Most users can start using it right away. Demonstration webinars and short videos are available here on the DARA website to guide you through specific aspects of writing reports using the tool.
What qualifications or credentials do I need to use DARA?
DARA does not monitor or verify assessors’ qualifications. Different reports will have different requirements. In order to produce a SASC diagnostic assessment report, you need to confirm on the cover page that you are a qualified specialist teacher and/or psychologist, holding an approved qualification, and either a current Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Assessment Practising Certificate or that you are Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered. There are no specific requirements at the moment for producing a Workplace Needs Assessment (WPNA) report.
Will using DARA help me pass my APC renewal?
Yes. DARA ensures your reports have the correct structure, headings, and information placement according to SASC standards, which supports APC compliance. However, the APC renewal process also evaluates your analysis and diagnostic decision-making, so your professional judgement remains central to the process.
Does DARA help with analysis or recommendations?
No. DARA does not generate analytical content or recommendations. Instead, it handles the administrative, compliance and formatting aspects of report writing, freeing your time and mental energy so you can fully focus on your analysis.
What reporting standards does DARA follow?
DARA provides formatting and structure that fully conforms to the latest SASC standards. It is automatically updated whenever SASC makes changes, so every time you open DARA, you’re working with the most current guidance.
What about GDPR and data protection?
DARA complies with the latest data protection regulations. For detailed information, please see the Terms and Conditions and privacy information on the DARA website.
Can I save time and money using DARA?
Yes. DARA streamlines the report-writing process, allowing you to work methodically through it. Many users find they can write more reports each month using DARA, or alternatively use the time saved for a better work/life balance.