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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

SN children

How important is up to date OT report for Tribunal?

11 replies

KOKOagainandagain · 07/02/2013 12:38

DS1 has a tribunal in May for parts 2, 3 and 4. Everything seems to be falling to pieces atm - head of my named school can't make the date and my IPSEA rep can't attend the hearing but is trying to find someone that can. The LEA have passed the case over to their legal team 'because I am being represented by IPSEA. I am having difficulty getting an indi EP who can report by the evidence deadline.

The NHS OT report is from 2009 and does not deal with sensory issues. DS1 saw Daphne Keen who diagnosed SPD on the basis of long-standing reported difficulties rather than a Sensory Profile questionnaire. IPSEA have said that there is a problem putting provision in part 3 without SPD being clearer in part 2 and that the provision should come from an OT.

If I need an indi OT report, so be it (more money ), in which case I would appreciate some advice how to go about this. My named school has given me the contact details of some OTs that have reported for children at the school but they are not local (the school is out of county). Is it worth paying the travel costs to get a particular therapist or is it OK to look locally?

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bjkmummy · 07/02/2013 12:41

Whereabouts in the country are you? Think they are right about needing one more up to days as 2009 is a long time ago. Also you may well find that it identifies more needs etc. my OT was a bit of a shock with the detail needs found. My OT was able to come really quickly - thing it was a matter of days as they got a cancellation. The ed psych ones are always really busy - I booked mine before I had lodged the tribunal papers to give me more time to play with.

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KOKOagainandagain · 07/02/2013 12:45

Thanks bjk for finding time to reply today

I'm on the Essex/Suffolk border. Does a private OT carry out more tests than the NHS one? Also, how much do they charge roughly?

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bjkmummy · 07/02/2013 12:50

I have an ed psych in that area that I used. My OT was from derby. Think it cost £700 for the report. They absolutely carry out more tests. You will be amazed at the detail and how thorough they are in doing the assessment. Mine lasted a whole day. She saw him at home, she saw him school, she spoke to me and his school. My NHS OT report is also very detailed but mainly due to the LA paying for it to try and discredit my report. Unfortunately for them it came back in agreement!!! The OT report was worth every penny. I know some people have had them slightly cheaper - mine included quite a bit of travel. My salt report was only £150 so a bargain!!! Also with OT - for sensory stuff you have to be a certain level of qualification, the NHS OTs are not usually as qualified as the NHS doesn't really fund the training hence why the private ones are so much more detailed.

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KOKOagainandagain · 07/02/2013 13:10

My SALT did the DISCO, assessment over 2 days, overnight stay in hotel plus travel expenses cost £2k - you did get a bargain!

FIL has just agreed to write cheques for any further assessments we need for tribunal (bless him) - I can't bear the thought of losing for the sake of a needed assessment - I can't bear the thought of losing full stop.

Which EP did you use and were they any good? Are they going to be a witness for you? The most promising one that I have found so far has a probem taking on DS1's case because I know what I want

How did you go about finding an OT with sensory training?

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bjkmummy · 07/02/2013 13:20

My ed psych is coming as a witness on tues. she is also an ofsted inspector! I'll pm you the details as the report is on my living room floor at the moment!

I can't remember how I found my OT - I think it was that someone recommended her to me. They need to have a certain level of qualification at least level 2. Level 4 is the highest

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AgnesDiPesto · 07/02/2013 14:03

keepon i think you should see if you can move the date
get dates from your witnesses as well as any OT and let the LA know you may have a problem and ask them for their dates
eg for May-July
The tribunal only send the paperwork to the panel 2 weeks before so may be able to shift it to a date when your rep / witnesses can attend
Ring the tribunal and ask what the chances are - remember there will be cancellations etc coming up - or see if the Tribunal will swap your tribunal slot for someone else's
The tribunal will want your HT there

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KOKOagainandagain · 07/02/2013 15:03

agnes I got a list of alternative dates my witnesses could make and tried to negotiate a mutually convenient date but the LEA said 'no'. Well, actually they ignored my email and so I had to phone them. Bastards - that's when they told me they had passed the case to legal. I have made a Request for Changes to the tribunal but I have not heard back yet.

I think the tribunal will want the head there but the IPSEA rep said it doesn't really matter if tribunal don't agree a change of date as cost rather than suitability will be the main issue.

I hadn't thought of ringing the Tribunal service or that there are cancellations - I'll do that. Thanks.

Still searching for an OT - found what looked like a good one - she also does environmental sensory reports which would be exellent in terms of the LEA named m/s school but she says her reports can't be used in a court and doesn't appear as an expert witness.

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Inaflap · 07/02/2013 15:11

I know of a good OT in surrey. Pm me if you want details.

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AgnesDiPesto · 07/02/2013 15:23

ok
the tribunal will move it - its not as though you are only giving a few days or weeks notice
the tribunal can order the LA to provide alternative dates
Its worth getting your best team there if you can

It may be easier to bring it forward slightly eg end of April as May / June / July is when they try and hear secondary transfer cases - decisions on secondary will be sent out next week and thats when people start to appeal en masse!

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porridgeLover · 07/02/2013 16:11

KeepOn I've just read your thread.

If you can get a Sensory Integration trained OT....someone who is qualified to use the SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test) is about the highest level.

This is the website of OT's in private practice in the UK.

Hope that's of help.

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KOKOagainandagain · 07/02/2013 17:22

I've just found an EP - cancellation call back. She can make the original tribunal date so I have withdrawn my request for a change of date. I was given her details by my named school - she charges like a wounded bull but, if the testimonials are to be believed, is worth it.

I think I have found a local, appropriately qualified OT who also does environmental reports and so should be able to assess the suitabilty of the lea school. Fingers crossed.

FIL will be shocked how quickly I can spend his money - I've gone through 2K in as many hours .

I'm knackered.