Educational psychologists

[cazza40]

Hello I am new to the board. My dd is 4 and is in reception. At the last parents evening her teacher told me that although she played alongside other children she was not good at initiating play and that she felt that she was falling behind re literacy/ numeracy ( this I find incredible at aged 4 but thats another story !) anyway to cut a long story short she wants an educational psychologist to observe her. I am not happy about this and have refused as I feel that she is still settling in and is very sociable outside school and engages well with others. I also learnt that she is on their Sencos list and has an IEP ( this they had not told me about before ) Was I wrong to say no to the psychologist ( I fear that she is being labelled and I don't think there is anything wrong with her neither does my mother who used to be a School doctor) - I am also furious that I was not informed re the senco intervention. Do I have the right to ask for a copy of all the paperwork they have on my daughter. Sorry for the ramble. I am very upset about this and have hardly slept for week now. Thanks for any thoughts on this ! Cazza

I think under the Data Protection Act you can have a copy of her school records, just write a letter to the head teacher requesting them, they may make a charge.

If it were me I would agree to the educational psychologist observing her. It may be that there is nothing to worry about, but if there was some extra help she needed then at least you would know about it and can access it sooner.

I would agree to the visit from the EP too. I agree with captain pig about accessing early intervention if needed. It could also be that the teacher is extra cautious and the EP visit may reassure you. The EP will just observe your daughter and try to engage her in a few 'games'.

Thanks for your thoughts on this - my only concern is that the school is looking for problems when there aren't any. I worry about her being labelled and an EP report 'following her' for the rest of her time at school !

cazza

I would say yes to an obervation from the EP (their visits should not really be turned down). It may be that there is nothing to worry about, also these people cannot make any formal diagnosis but only advise on any additional educational needs. However, I think you owe it to your DD to see what this person has to say as some parents (not necessarily your good self) can be in denial of any special needs their child has.

Think it is poor on the school's part not to have informed you beforehand about an IEP or being on the senco's list. That must have come as a big surprise to you.

A "label" should not in any way be seen as a stigma; it should be instead seen as a signpost to getting more help.

IMHO schools rarely look for problems when they don't exist. If you read many of the threads on 'children with special needs' you will see how many parents who feel their children need additional support really struggle with schools getting them to recognize this and then provide it.

It sounds like the school have handled it badly but it will benefit your child IF she has any additional needs if this is recognized as early as possible. If the EP report is totally pointless I'm sure it will stay unread in a drawer and will not stigmatise your daughter in any way.

Thanks to everyone who replied to me. I think we will go ahead with the EP meeting now.