Looking for recommendations for tribunal standard Ed Psych please.....

[hangrymum]

We're currently in the process of battling with our LA (East Sussex) for funding for our son to attend his specialist school for his ASD and Dyslexia. He's already got Ed Psych reports etc but these will need updating no doubt so I'm searching for the best tribunal standard Ed Psych I can get my hands on. I know it's going to cost more than the previous ones we've used (which cost about £500) so I've made my peace with that, just want to get the best fit for our circumstances and for the money we're spending.

Any recommendations would be greatly received and equally who to avoid. I'm at the I-mean-business-stage (our LA is particularly pants) so don't mind travelling, spending a bit more, just want to get this sorted.

Thanks in advance lovely people of Mumsnet!

John McKeown of MPA Brighton

Catharine Pierce (not sure of the spelling, it might be Pierce), Valerie Hero, Lisa Blakemore-Brown, Josephine Durling, Ruth Birnbaum.

Ruth Birnbaum is considered to be pretty much the bee's knees. So is David Urani in Bristol. Both apparently do really well in tribunals, and are taken extremely seriously. Each make it clear that they regard their role solely as providing a brutally honest assessment, in the best interests of the child, so they aren't a rent-an-assessment. That makes them powerful allies if the report accords with your views.

Google every single name you are given, is my advice. I would avoid anyone controversial and go for clinicians who are seen as having authority, given the motivation for commissioning a report.

Hi has anyone used Catharine Pierce? We are in the north and she is one of the only ones willing to travel. Would love to hear from someone who has used her services? Thanks

Thanks for all these recommendations and great advice, I’ll google them like you said perfectstorm, and try to get a feel for which ones might suit our situation best. It feels like there are so many out there so narrowing it down really helps. I also don’t want to spend the money only to find we’ve used someone that isn’t very experienced with tribunals so knowing which ones come recommended with this in mind is a huge help! I had looked at John Hall in Bristol, I emailed him but haven’t heard back. Does anyone know if he’s worth the big price tag? Also interested, like HateTheUnknown, to know what Catherine Pierce is like if anyone has used her services? Thanks again, so helpful if you all