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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Original poster

Local authority or private OT assessment

27 replies

Forestmumlondon · 16/05/2025 21:40

The school have recommended that my 5 year old is assessed by an OT as he is having some trouble socially in school and 'navigating the school day'. I've had a quote from a private practice locally which is nearly 1k.. the school said we may be able to go through the Local authority and that they think the waiting list might not be too bad.

Is there a difference between the LA assessment and private, is it worth paying for private (other than the fact it may be quicker)?

They have no worries academically he is bright, reading well, articulate etc. But has been doing quite a bit of hitting and teasing other kids / misbehaving and it's been going on for a long time (preschool picked up on it too).

They also recommended Speech and language assessment, even though he has no trouble with speech.. they said that speech patterns can indicate certain things (or something like that!) which will be £350.

New to all of this and just want to do the best for him! But don't want to throw money down the drain.

OP posts:
perpetualplatespinning · 16/05/2025 22:12

Independent assessments are often more comprehensive than LA assessments. LA assessments often don’t routinely cover sensory integration OT.

SALT is about far more than the physical ability to speak. For example, it can help with social difficulties.

If you are thinking of going down the EHCP route, you should make sure whoever you use has SENDIST experience.

And if you are thinking of going down the EHCP route, unless money is no object, you may want to wait to see what the LA reports are likely so you can target your money most effectively should you have to appeal.

Original poster
Forestmumlondon · 16/05/2025 21:44

Am also not particularly eager to put a label on him, we went for an initial assessment when he was 4 referred by preschool for autism, and the assessor said she had no worries about him and thought it was just normal 4 year old behaviour. So hoping these assessments don't try and shoe horn a diagnosis onto him!? As I'm not sure that would be helpful.

OP posts: