Educational Psychologists - please help me find one that Is not extortionate

(9 Posts)
bodenbiscuit Fri 28-Aug-15 14:54:59

We usually use David Urani but for some reason he's not responding to my emails - perhaps he is in Australia? I've asked the LA for a reassessment of needs but I think they're going to refuse. So I've got a long road ahead of report costs plus two potential tribunal witness costs.

I'm very stressed out about this. I've looked at Peter Parkhouse's costs but he seems very expensive and also charges travel time and expenses. Years ago we got fleeced by another well known EP because our solicitor said his report wasn't specific enough and so instead of amending it he insisted on coming to do another completely new report and charge me another £1000.

If necessary we will have to find the money somehow but I really need to know the person will be the best in terms of trying to get my dd into an ASD specific school.

My daughter has severe autism, epilepsy and very challenging behaviour. Does anyone have any advice?

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Icimoi Fri 28-Aug-15 18:53:36

Ann Baumber, but she's so busy she's difficult to get hold of.

bodenbiscuit Sat 29-Aug-15 08:55:43

Thanks Icimoi

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uggerthebugger Sat 29-Aug-15 14:30:05

boden - does your solicitor specialise in education law? If so, have they given you any EP recommendations?

It might just be that independent EPs are unusually difficult to get hold of at this time of year - particularly if their regular income revolves around assessments and expert testimony for SENDIST. The Tribunal hearings system tends to close down in August, so it might be that some EPs just fit their holiday in around then.

Sorry, I don't have any specific EP recommendations for you - we got our EP assessments done with a sensory impairment consultancy service. By way of illustration, the EP report was thorough, robust in its conclusions, and specific in its recommendations - and cost about £250.

I understand that people have to make a living. But nothing - nothing - vaporises my piss quicker than white-collar termites who have made a conscious decision to professionally dine in style off the backs of people who have children with SN.

And IMHO, that applies as much to some of the self-marketed "tribunal-ready" indie EPs who charge stressed families £000s per hour as it does to the shrivelled sociopaths on £60-70k per year who run LA SEN services.

And don't get me started on some of the legal firms who get involved in this area....

Nigel1 Sat 29-Aug-15 21:48:04

Where about in the country are you? This will assist in keeping costs down. IM me if you wish.

bodenbiscuit Sun 30-Aug-15 10:24:56

Uggerthebugger - yes you've articulated far better my feeling about professionals who fleece disadvantaged families. I'm sure I also know which legal firms you are talking about! I encountered one, years ago who would even talk to me until they had my credit card number.

We don't have a solicitor - I am not sure whether we should use one or not yet.

We are in the Midlands.

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bodenbiscuit Sun 30-Aug-15 10:25:30

Thanks Nigel, I will do.

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Icimoi Sun 30-Aug-15 10:34:45

If money is short you are better off using it to pay for experts than solicitors. SOS SEN seem to have some good workshops coming up on EHCPs and appeals -

bodenbiscuit Sun 30-Aug-15 12:46:58

Thank you Icimoi - I went to a SOSSEN workshop years ago and found it most useful.

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