Refused education psychologist

[Soberfutures]

Is there legislation I can quote for the school refusing an education psychology referral and report.

School say they get 2 appointments a year and no more and other children have higher needs.

Background. Child in y4 refusing school. Awaiting ASD panel but believe will get a diagnosis. Had Occupational therapy reports and speech and language etc all made some recommendations to help him attend. But no ECHP as school say he is FINE in school.

He masks a lot in school but comes home upset or stressed at other children/too much noise/can't work etc. He then gets angry and distressed.

But school say no help needed. He refusing most days. Tried part time timetable. Rewards. Bribery. Taking away consoles.

There are a few alternative provision locally but all want Ed psychology and LA assessment.

So what do I do?
Thank you

Apply for the EHCP yourself, it doesn't have to be the school that does it. I had exactly the same, told there were only two slots a year and always went to someone with greater need. Look up the websites of the charities SOSSEN and IPSEA, lots of useful advice there.

You can't force the school to arrange from their resources, however, if you request EHCP the needs assessment process should include EP assessment.
You may have to appeal if the LA refuse to assess but there's a good chance they will concede and I'd they don't tribunal is usually favourable to parents on this.

It is harder when the school are not on board so make sure you gather up all the supporting evidence you have. You could also consider a Subject Access Request to school but that can cause friction

Thank you. Think I will apply for the EHCP myself. It just seems such a scary form. I will look on the IPSEA website and see if they can help.

Thank you

It is hard, I did it (many years ago) but worth it.

You don't have to complete the LA form, though they will probably try and tell you otherwise! do look at IPSEA as they have a template there.

Good luck

Thank you again.

If I were you I'd spend a bit of time first gathering together all the evidence you've got, scanning it onto a computer if possible and filing it all in an orderly manner. This makes it easier when you need to find it and send it in. Start a document yourself where you write down every little thing that could be relevant, events related to pregnancy, birth, feeding, sleep, behaviour, feeding, communication, social behaviours, sensitivities etc. With hindsight I realised there were so many indicators early on and a parents experience does hold weight. Jot down anything and add to it whenever you think of anything. Also if appropriate ask other family members if they ever noticed anything relevant.

Also start a sturdy notebook where you keep a record of all conversations about your son, meetings, phonecalls, names, dates. Follow up conversations with an email "just to confirm that you said...". Good luck

Use the IPSEA model letter to apply for an EHC Needs assessment yourself, citing the school refusal, the masking,the part time timetable, and any other evidence you have.

www.ipsea.org.uk/ehc-needs-assessments

Incidentally was it the school who suggested the part time timetable?

Thank you. It was the Pastoral lead who suggested part time

It was the Pastoral lead who suggested part time So they say he is FINE and then suggest something that amounts to unlawful exclusion?

Even if you agree to it, part time timetables are unlawful exclusion.

www.ipsea.org.uk/pages/category/exclusion-from-school