Educational Psychologists - any recommendations?

[Csuti]

My 7 year old son's school is concerned that his achievements do not match his mental capacity. They have suggested that we contact an educational psychologist for an assessment of his IQ and for suggestions as to how best to teach him. I have a long list of professionals but no idea how to chose between them. Any ideas/suggestions? We live in West London.

[allthatglisters]

Is it a private school then? Round my way the school refers you to to one.

[Csuti]

Yes it is. I've spoken to the LA Education dept and they said that in the local school, the referral would take 6-9 months. I'm better off searching for a quicker solution privately.

[allthatglisters]

Yes, I see your difficulty. An option could be to write to the LEA educational pschologist dept. and say that if they can't recommend one themselves who works privately, then perhaps they could give you guidance on how to choose. The ed. psychologist obviously has to be sensitive to the needs of your child, but also know how to work with the school. For example, DS's one first of all spent some time in the playground with the duty teacher observing DS without DS knowing, as well as talking to DS's teacher, the headteacher, and myself - all separately. They also make recommendations to the school, and should follow up what happens.

[allthatglisters]

p.s. you might find someone with a bit of knowhow on the SN board.

[Csuti]

Thanks! The whole thing just makes me feel like I've already failed him. It's strange how when bad things happen to my children I feel much worse than when it happens to me.

[claricebeansmum]

I know of an excellent ed psych in Hammersmith