Getting an educational psychologist assessment
What does an educational psychologist do?
Assessments can be organised by the school. This may not happen immediately, depending on the school’s arrangement with the educational psychologist (otherwise known as an ‘EP’), and there can be a long wait for an appointment owing to a shortage of local authority EPs. If you can afford it, it’s worth commissioning a private educational psychologist for a much quicker assessment.
The EP will probably come to school, discuss your child with you and his/her teachers, and observe the child in class and perhaps at play. They will also look at classwork, chat to your child and give them some tests to check on skills and intellectual development. EPs are well trained to put children at ease and relate to them during these sessions, and most children find the assessment a positive experience with an element of challenge or fun involved somewhere in the procedure.
What happens during an educational psychologist assessment?
Feedback from an educational psychologist’s assessment
The EP will produce a report giving an overview of your child’s strengths and needs. This can also include recommendations for teaching strategies, additional resources to be used with your child, advice on suitable school types and referrals to other professionals where appropriate.
The other professionals which an EP may choose to involve include a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, optometrist or paediatrician, as well as sources of help such as child and family consultation services. Don’t be unduly alarmed if this happens – the more information available, the better the help that can be obtained.
Parents sometimes shy away from an assessment, fearing their child will be somehow branded by it. But your child will still be the same child, and identification of difficulties will just mean he/she will be better supported to reach their potential, and will probably have a happier experience at school as a result.
How can an educational psychologist's report help?
Schools have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils and should support children with additional needs wherever they reasonably can. Sharing an educational psychologist's report with a prospective school helps staff understand your child's needs from the outset and plan appropriate support.
Educational psychologist assessments and EHCPs
This assessment and the report will often play a key role in supporting an application for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) by providing evidence of your child's needs. It can also be crucial should you need to mount a legal challenge regarding a school place or the provision being made in your school.
Exam access arrangements
For older children, the assessment may help support an application for extra time/help in examinations if appropriate. The ed psych’s report is therefore an important document and you should ensure you have a copy and keep it in a safe place. You should also give a copy to a new school or college as your child moves on.
What if the school doesn’t think an assessment is needed?
What do you do if you suspect a difficulty with learning but the teachers don’t seem concerned or maintain that your child will catch up given time, or is just average? Do follow up on your hunch.
The key thing to remember is that the sooner your child’s difficulties are isolated, identified and addressed, the less their education will suffer, the more successfully they will learn and the less their self-esteem and self-confidence will be affected.
It is difficult to overestimate the importance of self-esteem in the classroom, and the more this can be protected, the better for your child.
You know your child better than the professionals. If the school refuses to recognise that there is a problem, you can contact your local authority yourself, which must consider your request for an EHC needs assessment, although it may decide not to carry one out.
Many local authorities are under significant financial pressure, and some families find that an initial request for an EHC needs assessment is refused. Do not take no for an answer – our SEN team can point you to legal firms and charitable organisations who can help you to put pressure on the local authority.
Should I pay for a private educational psychologist?
If you decide to employ your own educational psychologist, we advise contacting several for a chat before making your choice. Fees will vary enormously, and travel time and costs will add to the bill, so you need to get a quote from each.
If you find one you like further afield, you can shave costs by taking your child to their practice, rather than the EP travelling to you. It’s important to find one you gel with, as it can be an emotional process to have your fears confirmed, or to receive a shock diagnosis.
You can also have a chat with them about how they would go about assessing your child, and discuss any worries you have about this. Speak to our SEN team if you need help finding an EP.
