Ed Psych taking child's views

[sencop]

LA EP coming in today. Is there any obligation for him to be the one that takes DS's views for the Tribunal report? He has said he would play it by ear.

DS has spoken to the OT and SLT about difficulties over the last week and completed a form with us. Trouble is that DS can be critical of school as he doesn't feel understood - see my post about meeting!!

Would you disclose this to the EP and say his views have already been taken and we are working on this with school or do you think they will use it to say school isn't doing a good job and so doesn't need more hours?

I just think that DS is pretty complex to understand and school do their best but need more support and perhaps those views are evidence of that.

The LA have an obligation to seek the chikd's views. I'm pretty sure there is nothing to say that THEY have to do the asking.

But, I'm not sure his negative views about the school will be much if a problem. Might even help if those increased hours are for someone with a higher level of training.

I think that wrt the LA it is just a tick box exercise that they use less because they care what the child says, and more because they delight in the anxiety it causes the parents. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't pay much attention to them anyway.

Yes. You are probably right. And as you say, it is an indication of the complexity of his needs.

my LA suggested a whole host of people to do it including the statementing officer - i refused most of tehir suggestions as they were all employed by th LA. they have to take his views but it doesnt say bu who. i know other parents have done it themselves and submitted them.

in the end my was done by some people who cousnel children who are abused or in care. the whole view taking took 2 hours and as parents we were refused entry in the room - my best friend went as they would let her in! he said he wanted to go to our parental choice - the LA have took no notice of the views as of yet!