Professional refusing to write a report for EHCP needs assessment

[Oblongbluebell]

Hi, this is a random question and I’m having trouble finding the answer on the Internet. A needs assessment is underway for my child.

The LA have contacted a number of professionals to see my dc and write a report.

Occupational therapy, however, don’t feel the need to see my dc (no previous dealings with them) and say that they may see her if speech therapy think it’s necessary.

This will mean that either a decision is delayed on an EHCP, or, as I was told, panel can still go ahead and occupational therapy’s recommendations can be added to the draft later. I feel though that I don’t want a delay or the risk of not getting the EHCP because we don’t have occupational therapy’s input.

Is there anything I can do to get them to see her soon?

Not known to the service is not a lawful reason to refuse an OT assessment.

If the OT won’t assess the LA need to find one that will assess, and assess within the statutory timescale, even if that means commissioning an independent assessment. Email the Director of Children’s Services.

Thank you for your response. I ‘felt’ that it wasn’t good enough to brush me off like that, but struggled to find anything online to support that. I will send that email!

Do you by any chance happen to know if a telephone appointment is sufficient for a paediatric appointment? Thank you.

Whether a paediatric telephone appointment is appropriate depends on the individual child’s needs. Legally, it can be sufficient. Since covid it isn’t uncommon. If you feel there is a reason the paed needs to eye ball DD you can raise it on the phone.

Here is IPSEA’s page stating not known to the service isn’t an acceptable response and if professionals can’t assess within the timescales the LA need to find someone else, including independent assessments if needed.

Thank you for your response! It’s so useful to know where I stand so I can advocate properly .

I did actually find that IPSEA page, but weirdly didn’t see the relevant bit. I looked again when you provided the link and found it, so thank you!

It took social services 4 months to write "this child isn't known to social services " and that was only after 3 prompts.
It delayed my son's issuing of his EHCP !

“Not known to the service” isn’t a lawful response. Neither is delaying finalising, if the LA can’t assess in house within the statutory timescale they must commission an independent assessment.