Finding the right Ed Psych

[Madprest]

Can anyone advise me how to find an Educational Psychologist and how to choose the right one. I am in Lancashire and I have phoned a couple yesterday and today. So much conflicts...one-difference in estimate costs, two-one sounded okay but insisted on being their at tribubal in June. I have already sent the attendance paper in because the deadline was 20/3. And to be honest at £90 per hour I am struggling to put together for the assessment never mind costs for him attending. Just advice in all areas of this would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

I am miles away from you so the one I used won't be any good but I said upfront the max I could pay and what I really needed for that amount. I spent 1000 and for that had two visits to see ds in his current placements and one appointment with me plus the report.

thanks cansu, I need to know how to research and find the right person and as soon as poss because tribunal is in June.

Look on here British Psychology Society

You need a Psychologist that specialises in children rather than a general psychologist

Call SOS SEN, they have a list of EPs which they recommend for tribunal. It's very important not just to get a child ed psych, but also one which is experienced in your child's particular SEN and which has a good reputation and experience of tribunals. That actually narrows down the list of good ed psychs quite a lot and it's worth paying for travel costs to get a good one rather than just sticking to your area (as they tend to be concentrated down south).

The full ideal package would cover full assessment with standardised tests and developmental history, plus visits to the school (and preferred school if you're looking at transition), parental interview, report and tribunal attendance. But the report is the key thing; if it's very good then it might mean the LA concedes and the case may not end up at tribunal at all.

What is the tribunal against - refusal to assess?

Thanks for replies.
Kry, yes it is refusal to assess. I have a volunteer from IPSEA and he as advised to get a private assess. I have evidence that her needs are not being met as in very poor IEP's and never meeting key stage targets. But since LEA have got involved and the impending tribunal, the school have been assisting her in her tests as in handing her the papers back to amend incorrect answers and to fill in questions that she left blank. Her reading level was 2b (she is in YR 5) and been on the Gold band for 14 mths but now all of a sudden she is a 4c and leaped up 5 reading levels-which is unbelievable as I read daily with her and she still struggled on Gold. To sum it up, I feel the school are jeopardising our case and her education to cover up their failings. I shall call SOS SEN in the morning and thank you, hope I can manage to get a report before dead line to tribunal which is 11/5.