Should I decline this meeting

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The LA want to have a teams meeting with me to do the working document but my child hasn’t been seen by the ed psychologist yet despite me asking constantly for a reassessment as they last saw one in 2018 so the reports are extremely out of date and don’t reflect current needs now 7 years later, can I decline this for now as I’m not sure how I’m meant to do the working document as I have no new reports? They made an appointment for the 4th of December should I decline this as I have nothing to add and they are dragging their feet with an updated report (claim to be waiting for a response from the educational psychologist but it’s been months now)

You don’t have to agree to a meeting.

Although separately to that, even with no additional evidence, it is likely there are at least some amendments to the WD that can be proposed.

Have you considered independent assessments? If you can’t afford them and aren’t eligible for legal aid, look at charities such as Parents in Need.

You mention reassessment. I wouldn’t request a reassessment of needs. Instead, I would pursue updated advice and information during the appeal process.

I assume as you have a WD the EHCP is under appeal. You have made the appeal as you are not happy with the content, so it is up to you to say what it is that you think the plan should say and what evidence you are basing that on. So if you want new reports it is for you to get them, you are the one saying that the plan is out of date.

Thanks both, I can’t afford private reports they are thousands of pounds, i was under the impression the LA was responsible for up to date reports since she already has a ehcp

If you can’t afford independent assessments, have you checked if you are eligible for legal aid? Legal aid, or rather legal help for SENDIST appeals, can fund independent assessments if necessary. If you aren’t eligible for legal aid, have you looked at charity funding? For example, Parents in Need.

You could ask SENDIST to direct the LA to seek specific advice and information, but there is no guarantee SENDIST will agree to do so and even if they do, there’s no guarantee the evidence will be good.

Parents can request updated advice and information as part of review processes, but the LA may not agree.

I wouldn’t, but you can request a reassessment of needs. The LA may not agree unless forced via Tribunal and, again, it doesn’t guarantee good evidence.

I have legal aid but other than confirming I’m entitled to do it they’ve done absolutely nothing I’m not really sure how they are meant to help as all the did was confirm I was entitled to it but haven’t done anything since. I’ve chased it again but I’m not holding my breath seems they don’t have great reviews anyway (Sen solicitors) they have 1 star reviews on Google so not expecting much.

Chase the solicitors. Independent assessments will help but you will need to chase.

You could also request your case is transferred to another firm. Although that isn’t always easy.

What is it that you are appealing for? You have lodged an appeal but appear not to know what it is you want. The LA have said what they think should be in the plan and presumably you disagree but what is it that you think should be in there. You need to be appealing for something rather than simply against what the LA have said. Why did you register the appeal?

Again, the solicitors present your case but it is your case not their case. There is nothing for them to do until you know what case it is you are making.

I do know sorry if that wasn’t clear just that apparently it can’t be added to the working document unless it is from professional reports? This is what I’ve been told anyway so I need professional reports to back up what I’m saying so not just my word I need reports stating it is necessary.

There is nothing for them to do until you know what case it is you are making.

This isn’t quite the case. For example, they can help secure independent assessments via legal aid, which will inform the proposed amendments. At this stage, the OP does not need to know the precise amendments to B&F (and potentially other sections) she will be proposing. The evidence gathered will help inform that.

They would need some sort of a steer as to what type of assessments might be necessary/appropriate and given the OP doesn't appear to even have any areas in mind, they can't just pluck it out of thin air. They are solicitors and they act on instructions from clients, it would be wholly inappropriate for them to tell the OP what her case is. It seems that the OP is under the impression that in appealing she is saying' i don't want that' to the LA and then the onus is on them to come up with something else, I am just pointing out it doesn't work like that and it is for her to identifiy what it is she wants and the appropriate evidence to support her view.

They don’t need to pluck it out of thin air. OP has said an EP assessment, which is commonplace for an appeal to SENDIST.

Similarly, they would know SALT and OT are also appropriate and necessary in many cases. If OP is the poster I think she is, then both are necessary and any solicitor would know that.

Apologies I had missed the EP reference in the OPs post, in which case an EP report will need to sourced by the OP whether through legal aid or privately. I have no idea about SALT or OT as unlike you apparently, I have no idea who this poster is

The legal aid solicitor can help with arranging an EP assessment.