Independent EP assessment in school

[abeltasman]

was wondering if anyone has had experience (good or bad) of paying (shedloads !) for an independent EP to have their DC assessed within the school environment?

Although DS obviously bright, I don't want tp pay someone £££ to tell me he is bright. What I want to do is work out why he is achieving so much at home yet zero at school, along with bad behaviour and unhappiness.

A year ago he loved school and could concentrate beautifully. Now he doesn't want to go and his teacher says he doesn't want to do the (limited) extended work he is more than capable of (it is at least a year easier work than he happily does at home through free choice).

I don't want to get the school's back up as I want to work with them and avoid pulling him out. But I can't have him so miserable. He is youngest in Y1 in what was a good school (but IMO is sliding). I think there may be other issues at play (EP friends suggested mild aspergers, am not surprised), or ADHD. I know his ableness has been hidden at school and may well hide other issues.

How did you approach the school? Any success stories? If the EP found anything untoward, did the school act on it?

Thanks!

[belledechocchipcookie]

This could be most of the problem. Children who are hypersensitive often feel 'pain' My son was touch sensitive so something that wouldn't be painful to someone else would be very painful to him. There is a condition, I'll try to find a link for you.

[belledechocchipcookie]

//www.nagcbritain.org.uk/file_upload/factsheets/150P01%20Is%20My%20Young%20Child%20Gifted.pdf

[abeltasman]

Sounds like my son to a tee. You brush his cheek gently and he yells. Poor poppet :( and as if on cue he has woken up (terrible sleeper) so will check back tomoro, thanks!)

[belledechocchipcookie]

They do grow out of it (thank god!). The link I've sent you is helpful, their site is also very helpful. Don't worry, you're not alone.

[BoffinMum]

I'd consider getting him assessed then. BTW if you ask the LA is obliged to do this within 6 months (last time I checked SEN law). The LA EPs are surprisingly impartial. Or if you go private budget for about £300 - £400.

[abeltasman]

Boffin, I have asked the LA and they said no. How can I make them do it? They say he has no obvious learning disability and is too far ahead of his peers to qualify!

[belledechocchipcookie]

The NAGC used to have a telephone helpline that was manned by a child psychologist, they may be able to help. I'm not 100% sure that it's still running but it's worth a try. If the school are prepared to write a letter about his problems then your GP can refer you, it's not likely to be an EP though.

[BoffinMum]

They are not qualified to decide whether he has a specific learning difficulty/learning disability. If they haven't assessed him they are making an a priori assumption, which they are not at liberty to do.

I would contact IPSEA for further advice.

IPSEA