Ed psych assessment for EHCNA

[RockyRocky]

Hi, I’m really concerned that our local authority are outsourcing the ed psych assessment to non-local psych who is planning to do it all online. I don’t understand how they’ll observe my child in class and around school and get a clear picture of difficulties and needs. Has anyone else had experience of this, can I object, or even pay for one?!

Personally, I dislike remote assessments and would push for an in-person assessment. Although I know some remote assessments that have remotely observed the child in class, etc. Although sometimes assessments don’t do that even if they are F2F.

Unless you are very lucky in getting a cancellation you will not get an independent assessment from someone who is experienced and good in time. And while the LA must not seek new assessments if there is existing evidence which you, the report writer and the LA agrees it is sufficient, LAs often disagree that it is sufficient so they can seek their own report that is less detailed, specified and quantified.

Hi I think maybe it depends on how well you feel the school know your child and can provide the relevant information re - how he is in lessons / playground etc.

our Ed Psych EHCNA was solely on line and they met with school staff for a couple of hours who I had confidence would do a great job of getting across what the issues were.
not sure the meeting with my child online, got across exactly how he is in person.

Personally I agree, in person better - but it all feels like a sh1te show with regards to provision / assessments and everything being cut (don’t start me on waiting lists for ASD ax) that if it was in person you’d be waiting a zillion years I suspect (at least in our area).

i will keep my fingers crossed you get the outcome you want 🙏

The EHCNA process is governed by statutory timescales. Parents don’t have to accept waiting years or online assessment where that is not appropriate.

I asked for my child's assessment to be done in person. The difference with the online assessment and in person was 1 day!

Yes but if there are no EPs available to do an in person assessment within the statutory time frame, then an online assessment may be suggested. In my experience, they do what they can to assess in person. Worth asking the LA.

Thanks! I have gone back to the LA asking for an in-person observation of her, they said they’ll get back to me. I would much prefer a delay in the timings and have an accurate assessment. Its been a long enough battle to get school on board, and between all the professionals involved, I still don’t think we see the full picture 🤞😮‍💨

I disagree, for many, on-line assessments cannot do what a F2F assessment can.

As LAs have been shown time and again, using lack of EP time as an excuse for breaching the statutory timescales is not lawful. Parents do not have to accept that - you would be amazed what happens when enforcement action is on the table. If online is not appropriate, as it isn’t for many, parents don’t have to accept that as an alternative.