Ed psych to observe DD--what to expect?

[Arabica]

DD (2 in July, GDD, no diagnosis) is being statemented (thought might as well start the process early!). I've just discovered the ed psych will be observing her on 8 July, but haven't had a chance to talk to him. Do parents tend to have input into their observations or will they look at her solely at nursery without me being there?

They should talk to parents otherwise they can not make a full assessment, although I have heard of cases of where this wasn't done. When my 3 year old ds was seen by ed psych, my opinions were ignored by her, however when my 5 year old ds was observed the ed psych took my opinions on board, even though he is obviously at school. I think it just depends on the individual ep. You could just contact the ep yourself, and ask.You should also receive a copy of the report.

Our Ed Psych was really good. SENCO told us she was coming and arranged for us to come in for a meeting immediately after she had observed him so we could discuss ds. So basically she saw him at 9 and we were in seeing her at 11. She sent copies of her report to us, the school and the Child Development team. She gave us all her numbers, email etc and told us to contact her any time.

I sort of think that this should be standard practice really and not just because we got a good one. Hope it all works out well for you.

Thanks for the information, I will chase him up if he doesn't get back to me and politely insist that we have a meeting afterwards.

Our Ed Psych came to see DS (3) at home as he doesn't attend anywhere yet. She seemed to be talking to me and observing him at the same time but I came out feeling really positive, like she'd really got a good handle on DS's personality and issues. We got a copy of her written report about a month later and I was again really impressed, it was DS to a tee.

So Buckets, does that mean your DS will have all the support he needs when he starts school?

He only starts pre-school in Sep but yes, he's getting an inclusive place and the pre-school are very experienced with ASDs. I'm expecting some big changes TBH as he'll get more attention than I give him LOL, as well as having more structure to his day.

Have now spoken to ed psych who took the time to ask how to pronounce DD's name--always a very positive sign, I think! He suggested he observes DD at nursery for 2hrs and then I can join him later.

with DD1, both her ed psych and her OT came to our house first, then just observed here in nursery.

after that, she went in and was assessed.

she was a little older, though. 4 when ed psych assessed her in office.

i sat in and she did a bunch of tests disguised as games with her.

Did you get the support you needed for DD? I feel fairly confident that all the therapists are going to recommend a full-time, one to one worker for DD, at least until she can understand verbal instructions and/or understands the concept of danger.

she just turned 5, Arabica, and we are just now getting the support she needs.

she is quite a fearful soul, she get DLA for dyspraxia but also has a diagnoses fo 'developmental coordination disorder' and has had gross and fine motor skills delays first noted at 8 month checkup.

ed psych has specified that at present she would need 1:1 support in MS schooling, so we're waiting for LEA to approach an extra year at a nursery with an SEN unit, keyworker and Network Learning Support attached, where she can then get a CSP, the Scottish equivalent of a statement, before proceding to MS school in 2009.

we already have ed psych report and ed psych minutes from pre-SCAT meeting.

hang in there!

don't be afraid to phone the ed psych with any concerns or questions, either.

ours is terrific.

Thanks. He does sound very approachable on the phone. Thing is, I'm not sure what I should be asking for--at the moment DD is in a private nursery getting 1:1 care. But I have heard about a flagship state pre-school which takes kids 3+ and is mainstream but with extra SN expertise. I'm hoping the statement would mean she could go there even though it's a bit of a journey from us.

In terms of 3+ pre-school, there used to be a certain number of 'Inclusive' settings, where your child would get an inclusive place (ie funding for extra SN staff.) Recently, it has changed so that the funding follows the child (so s/he can go to your nearest pre-school/playgroup/nursery if you like.) However it is a bit of a pain for the trained staff potentially having to change employer every year and also the setting itself might have no relevant experience/expertise. Your EP can advise where your nearest former inclusive setting is - we are lucky because ours is right next to our catchment infant school (so the SN staff can work p/t in Reception too if needed).

Thanks Buckets. I expect the school that's been recommended is one of the former inclusive type. It would be best if she could go to the same school as DS really as it's only 2 mins from our house. But they aren't very SN focussed and the learning support assistants have had little or no training.