Educational psychologist

[WeAreSix]

Difficult to give you a back story as its complicated - DD(5) has delayed speech and language, but I also have concerns about her overall development. School are OK but not brilliant.

I'd like her to have Ed Psych assessment; we may have to fund this ourselves. I've googled for our area (West Sussex) and have come up with a few results for private Ed Psychs. A couple of questions that the wonderful MN world may be able to answer:

a) Is £500 for an assessment lasting up to 3 hours about the right price?
b) Other than Google, how do I find other Ed Psychs and know that they are who they say they are / reputable?

Thank you :)

£500-700 seemed to be the norm when we were looking. We were advised to check their experience. Some work for NHS but it should be a different area to yours incase you need them in the future for tribunal etc. The best person would be NHS worker who also sees private.

I would try and get a recommendation whenever poss. You need someone who has a good reputation for working with kids the same age, with similar difficulties, who is knowledgeable about the local education system and its resources (and who therefore knows what recommendations are appropriate) and who can make practical recommendations for you and write a report that everyone can understand. Try ringing your local speech therapists (private and NHS). £500 sounds about right.

Thank you for the advice.

I'll ask DDs SENCO if she can recommend.

All qualifies EPs have to be registered with the HPC (health professions council) so you can check the person is fully qualified. The British Psychological Society website has a list of EPs doing private work and their specialisms. No idea on price though!

I'm West Sussex too, and am looking to do the same thing. I'd be interested to hear if you find anything. I have spoken to the Senco and she is trying to find out for me too. Good luck

It's a minefield! I've just written a huuuuuuuge long post about DD. I'm desperate to help her, I just don't know how.

piedpiper The £500 quote I've had is from a practice in Brighton. Well, it was £470 (I think) for a 3 hour assessment.

I've been quoted around the same sort of sum, but I haven't spoken to anyone myself to know if its right. I've read your other thread, but haven't commented as I'm feeling completely lost myself ATM, and didn't know what to say, sorry.
I have spent nearly 6 years trying to get someone to listen to me, but everyone kept telling me dd was fine. Unfortunately, her problems have got really bad, and people are finally having to take notice. Problem is I don't know what to do, or where to start to get a diagnosis, and I'm thinking an Ed Psych assessment sounds like a good place to start.

I'm pretty lost, too. Maybe we can help each other? Do you mind if I ask where in W Sx you are? I'm worthing.

Just going off to feed baby, PM me if you'd like ?

Hi Six. I've pm'd you.

Got it :) Will reply on PC later, battery about to go on phone!