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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

Can a SALT refer a child to an Educational Psychologist?

23 replies

kid · 19/03/2008 21:58

I want my DD referred to an Ed Pysch but the school are reluctant to do it.
She is being seen by a SALT in school, would it be possible to be referred that way?

If not, how else can I get her referred?

OP posts:

Niecie · 19/03/2008 22:00

Can I ask what you want her referred for? Ed. psychs can't diagnose much.

You could go private if the school dig their heels in but I think you can insist if you have reason to think there is a problem.

Original poster

kid · 19/03/2008 22:04

Her teacher says she is showing signs of dyslexia and as she been on school action for over a year, I'd like her to get the help of other professionals if possible.

She was previously on cause for concern for almost a year before they agreed to move to school action.
I have been told the Ed Psych could test for dyslexia and make suggestions of ways the school can help her overcome her difficulties.

OP posts:

Squirtle · 19/03/2008 22:07

Schools often only get a set number of hours of the Ed Psych's time. If there are children with greater problems (or causing greater problems, e.g. behaviour that is affecting the whole class), the school may be reluctant for this reason.

Original poster

kid · 19/03/2008 22:12

I have a feeling that is the problem, but where does that leave my DD? Would she stand a better chance at another school which has more funding?
Or do I really have to pay hundreds of pounds to have her tested privately?

I just feel so frustrated about it, she is finding school very hard. I am taking steps to help her but feel let down by the school.

OP posts:

moondog · 19/03/2008 22:13

I'm a salt.I can do this.So can you probably. There is no magic involved in referring.Just find out who they are and what address and send a letter.

Copy in your local SNAP/Parent Partnership.

Original poster

kid · 19/03/2008 22:20

Do I send the letter through the school?
The Ed Pysch does 8 visits per year, no idea when they are next in though.

Should I put my intentions in writing to the SENCo first or completely bypass the school and do it myself?

I just want my DD to get the help and support she needs. She hasn't progressed well for the past 2 years so I am really panicking now. She moved 2 sub levels in 2 years.

OP posts:

peanutbear · 19/03/2008 22:21

I got my son referred through his GP because in school was going to take months

Original poster

kid · 19/03/2008 22:22

thats another option for me to consider then. Will get on to the dr next week.

OP posts:

moondog · 19/03/2008 22:22

I'd do it myslef and cc the school.
It will be faster and show them you are not messing.Go and visit your SNAP office too , and damnedcquickly.

Get them to explain statementing to you.School Action plus is a waste of time frankly as it has no legal standing 9ie whatever help she has is not guaranteed-only a statement will do that)

moondog · 19/03/2008 22:23

Once again,you do not need permission from anyone to refer.

Original poster

kid · 19/03/2008 22:26

I work in her school and don't want to get myself in trouble for trying to skip the system or whatever they might call it.

Thanks for your suggestions, I need to do something as quite frankly, they have already wasted almost 3 years as far as I am concerned.

I have heard its very hard to get a statement now though. I would love her to get it as that would help with getting the secondary school that I want too!

OP posts:

Original poster

kid · 19/03/2008 22:28

Moondog, can you point me in the right direction please? I have no idea where or how to contact the places you suggest.

I will begin by googling.

OP posts:

moondog · 19/03/2008 22:31

Where are you? What Edu. authority? I'll find it for you.

Original poster

kid · 19/03/2008 22:39

I'm in Hackney.
I've done a search and came up with a website for SNAP, not sure if thats what you mean.
Thanks for your help. Its useful to talk to someone that knows what they are talkin about rather than listening to the school that insist they are doing what they can.

OP posts:

moondog · 19/03/2008 22:43

Yes,that' it.
Get on the blower and go and see them. They will explain it all to you impartially.
Best of luck

Original poster

kid · 19/03/2008 22:45

Thanks, shame its easter weekend, means I will have to wait a few more days. Nevermind, I keep telling myself that I have waited over 2 years, whats a few more days or even weeks going to matter.

OP posts:

SixSpotBurnet · 19/03/2008 22:47

kid, I'm in Hackney and have experience of having children with SN.

The Learning Trust is the authority here in Hackney that administers all this sort of stuff.

I get on really well with DS3's specialist autism teacher and I know some of the SALTs as well. Would you like me to ask (obviously on a no names basis) who would be a good person for you to contact?

p.s. we have mutual friends at my DSs school - girl in Yr 4, name begins with A? (Im and old timer but have changed my name.)

Original poster

kid · 19/03/2008 23:07

That would be good SSB, appreciate any advice as I really don't know. I got turned away at my first attempt so and unsure what to do. What I do know is, I don't want to leave it.

I have no idea who you are, I know 2 A's in Year 4, both relatively new to the school.
You have to give me some more clues or you can email me to put me out of my misery! (kt8cs5 at yahoo dot co dot uk)

OP posts:

SixSpotBurnet · 20/03/2008 12:40

Okay, when I next see the Autism Specialist Teacher who works with my DS3 I'll ask her.

Will email you - the mutual friend I meant is at Millfields (where my DSs go).

mummyrex · 20/03/2008 12:58

contact IPSEA ( Independent Panel for Special Education Advice) for advice www.ipsea.org.uk/

mrz · 20/03/2008 17:53

I would ask what support she is getting under school action plus, often this is as much or more than a dyslexic child would get after EP involvement. Unlikely to get a statement for dyslexia in my area and as someone has pointed out schools are allocated EP time so have to prioritise for children with the greatest needs. Your LA may have a dyslexia support service which doesn't need a EP referral and is easier to access and will assess if requested.

Original poster

kid · 21/03/2008 11:03

She is on school action at the moment so is getting intervention groups set by the class teacher. Ed Psych will only become involved and assess her if she is moved to school action plus.

I very much doubt she would get a statement from it and thats not what I am going for to be honest. Would be great if she could, but I know her needs are not severe enough to need 1:1.

The problem at the moments is that she is not learning therefore she needs something additional to what is already being offered/done. I just don't know what that could be so would like the Ed Psych, if possible, to make some suggestions.

OP posts:

mrz · 21/03/2008 12:18

In my LEA we have a Learning Support service for children who's needs are not severe enough for Ed Psych involvement but need additional support over and above most class teaching. They come into school assess the child and either put in place a support package which is delivered by the school or in some cases a Learning Support teacher in class to work alongside the class teacher for a short period of time each week.
It's worth asking if anything similar is available.

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