Transferring to EHCP and Paediatrician

[Mrsmoneyworries]

My DS will be transferring over to the EHCP soon and I'm wondering what part the Paediatrician should actually play? Is it to confirm diagnosis or to actually give some meaningful advice? I probably know the answer already but thought I'd try anyway

If it's to give advice, is there anything specific I need to ask them to include?

[GruntledOne]

The LA is required to do a full reassessment unless you agree that they can use any of the previous reports, and the authors of the previous reports have to agree to. As part of the reassessment they should get medical advice so they will probably go back to the paediatrician for it. The paediatrician should give the diagnosis and describe how it affects your DS. They probably can't give much advice about education but it depends - e.g. they may have views as to whether your DS can cope in a large school.

Bear in mind that the EHCP should also have specific details of any medical issues in section C, and detailed and specific medical provision in section G. So the report will need to set out details of any relevant medical provision your dc needs.

[Mrsmoneyworries]

Thank you for your fantastic reply. I remember they barely said anything for his statement. I take it because it's now for EHCP, they can be a bit more detailed.

I'm wondering if it would be worth going back to the private Paed who diagnosed him and get her input.

[GruntledOne]

Just bear in mind that although the law unequivocally says LAs have to reassess, an awful lot of them aren't bothering. When the process starts check what your LA proposes to do and, if they aren't reassessing, call them out on it.

Does the local NHS paediatrician actually know your DS? If not, I would suggest you ask the LA to contact the one who does.

[Mrsmoneyworries]

Yes, thank you. That's the exact issue I have with the same SEN officer who is dealing with my DD also!

Very good idea, which I hadn't thought about. I'm meeting with them in a couple of weeks, so I'll ask the question then.

I don't suppose you know what happens in a Transfer Review meeting, do you?

[Mrsmoneyworries]

Sorry, the NHS Paediatrician local to us, are currently changing suppliers, so I very much doubt that they'll use the same ones.

[GruntledOne]

I suspect every transfer review meeting differs, but I suppose they'll ask you about what you want in the EHCP. Sometimes I think they have a draft EHCP ready, but I don't really see how a valid one is possible unless they have done a reassessment. If there is any issue about this, refer them to this and this

[Mrsmoneyworries]

Once again, thanks very much for your help. I'll go through those links again shortly.