Private reports - SA

[NourishingButtons]

We have written for SA, but apart from Pre School no other profs have been involved. We have 2 private assessment reports both saying the same complex needs. Shall I submit them in full now, or give them a summary of finding in my words instead, saving the whole reports if I need to appeal? It seems the system needs to be played somewhat and I want to play my cards right.

How likely are you to get an SA on the evidence you have? Who are the reports from?

I think you need to be sure that the LA can make a proper decision on all the evidence. If you think they may not grant an SA without these reports, I see no reason to withold them.

Who are the reports from? You want to ensure that any SA takes into account the need to obtain information from the right professionals so, for example, if you have a SLT report which shows SLT needs when the LA have not instructed a SLT, then I wouldn't sit on it at this stage.

How old are the reports? Bear in mind that they will be considered out of date when 6 months old.

I would submit in full now, you can always refer to them in case of an appeal.

Both reports were done last month. One from an Ed Psyc and one from a charity called BIBIC.

Both say complex needs including sensory processing problems (vestibular, proprioception, touch especially), social communication problems, problems with organising/planning, fixed ideas/rigidity of mind, very advanced at some intellectual tests (non verbal reasoning, vocabulary), aspergers to be assessed further by multi agency group.

A mum I am speaking to on FB said with pre schoolers you need to hold onto reports in full, as if you submit them, the LA will counter argue all the points as reasons not to assess and then you have no ammunition for an appeal.

I disagree Nourishing. I think its better to put your point upfront. If they disregards the reports, you can argue that.

disregard*

I agree with salondon. I've been told that Tribunals at appeals hate parents suddenly springing new reasons or new needs. If you haven't disclosed them previously, then the Tribunal could ignore them.

The LA may also attack you if you withheld reports. In my own appeal against the LA not assessing my son, the LA attacked me for allegedly 'hiding' a private SALT report - although I had been upfront with the LA all along and told them that no reports existed from this particular SLT and, in fact, the lack of any report was the very reason why I had 'sacked' the person. I was very open and up front with LA about this - there were no reports. But they still aggressively attacked me and accused both myself and my lawyers of lying and hiding this so-called non-existent report.

Thank you for your replies. That's what I had thought and was just going to submit them. Then the mum I was messaging said not to, so I got in a tangle with the whole thing.

I would submit reports in full. Tribunal won't like you withholding and lead in times are over 6 months atm anyway so you'd need new ones a couple of months beforehand anyhow.

There are cards to play but you mustn't start out playing games.

I agree that you should give the reports now.