Independent EP to help with appeal

[trunkybun]

Hi Everyone
We have a Tribunal Appeal date for May 2011 regarding our local LEA's refusal to issue a statement for our son. I have just had the response form back and the LEA are calling the Educational Psychologist that prepared DS's reports as a witness. Is it worth trying to get an independent EP to assess DS and hopefully use the report to support our case? and does anyone know of a good EP in the South West area, and how much is it likely to cost?
Many Thanks.

We are paying £750 for ours. I don't want to name them through fear of being recognised on here but if you go to this web site you should be able to find a registered and reputable EP near you www.achippp.org.uk

We paid 750 too and ours was in the South West area.

Thanks for the replies. Can I ask if you thought it was a worthwhile expense, and also if there was a long waiting list?

Haven't had mine yet but reasons are: my ds2 aged 7 is being assessed for ADHD. School have shown no interest in getting an EP in from the LA, obviously too expensive and his not seen as bad enough to do so. We want an independent, non-bias, objective assessment of our son's educational needs. A private EP's report is far more in-depth and we hope to use it to support our application for a Statement. We may also need it in the future if we move him from mainstream to private. A hell of an investment, but one worth while IMHO. I don't want an EP 'living in the pocket' of an LA to assess my son's needs alone.

Sorry, forgot to mention we would have been waiting 6 months by the time his appointment comes around ... don't know how this compares to a school EP ?

You definately need a private one in my opinion . It will be extremely detailed compared to the LEA one .Our LEA`s was 2 sides A4 while private was over 30 pages -yes very expensive (over £1000) but absolutely invaluable .
You will need proof of yor childs needs and the tribunal will take into account any independent reports -we had 3 done EP ,OT ,SALT and we won with the help of these.

Yes ,also forgot to mention that I would imagine they would be extremely busy around this time due to transition to secondary school appeals etc.
Don`t want to worry you but 6 months wait sounds about right !

LA EP report 9 pages

Idependent EP report 50 pages

The difference between the two in terms of detail, analysis and specific provision recommendations is incredible.

Big list of generic provision from LA EP, individual relevant recommendations from independent EP.

We had to wait about 5 months.

We had one done. LEA's was full of generalisation / platitudes. Ours was v personal to ds and very specific. Well worth the money.

Also long wait (5 months I think?) to see her. Had to speak to a couple to find someone with availability.

Ask the EP first whether they have done tribunal reports before and whether they're able to appear as a witness at the hearing, not all of them offer this. You might not plan to use them as a witness now but you never know how your situation might change - you may need to appeal again in a few years and it helps to use the same experts if you can.

SOS SEN can give you a list of EPs as well. It's worth getting one with good tribunal experience even if it means travelling to them or paying their expenses.

Really helpful advice everyone, thanks so much!! Really looks like I've left it too late now though. Will ring round tomorrow. Could not get a reply from SEN SOS today.