Cariad Report post Posted March 21, 2007 I've hired one through a solicitor, but she seems eager to hire the solicitor as well (we can't afford it) as she is a friend too. We need an assessment as we believe our DS is being sent to the wrong high school. This EP seems unsure about what to assess, do, how much etc etc.. I'm getting concerned. Last night she rang to say a higher price, i said it was lower, so then she settled on one price for the whole work, which is to be assessed and visiting schools 2 in total. Then she asked for half upfront!! Is this normal? What should the EP do altogether? BTW my son is ASD/ADHD and TS. What tests should she be doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted March 21, 2007 Hi Cariad, I'm not sure how much help I can be but I can give you my experience/opinion. A few years ago I taught in an independent primary school. I had a boy with AS join my class during the year because he wasn't coping in mainstream and his parents were very concerned (quite rightly). The LEA however quibbled over funding and the paying of his fees. His parents had to get an independent EP in to assess and write a report in order to confirm that his placement in my class was in his best interests and that his needs could not be met in either a mainstream environment or in the special schools in the area. The EP was excellent. She spent the full morning in class observing him, me, his one-to-one, interacting with him and watching how he and I interacted. She also observed him during the morning break and then came to lunch with the class to again add to her observations. During the lunch break she spoke to me and was able to give me advice. In the afternoon she took him out of class to do some tests with him for the first half of the afternoon and then went to speak to the family at their home. She produced a very thorough report for the LEA (and I was asked to complete some questionnaires and add any reflections I felt were necessary). I understand from the boy's parents that this was a very expensive process (and it makes me angry that parents have to pay for these things just to get the support their children deserve ) but I don't think they had to pay up front. I think the EP was recommended through the pead but I'm not sure. In your case, I would be very wary - if you feel at all uncertain then it might be better to go with someone else (perhaps not recommended by a solicitor - do you have a pead or someone who could recommend anyone - I don't know if the NAS are able to recommend EPs?) I hope this is some help, Mumble. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pumpkinpie Report post Posted March 21, 2007 I dont like the sound of this. I havent had to do this for and EP but have obtained specialist salts reports. I have never been asked to pay for it up frount and if I was I would cut my cost and go as this sounds very suspiscious. I would find a new sol too! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cariad Report post Posted March 21, 2007 I've just rung the solicitor and was told by her secretary that she was picked from their database, not recomended. I asked if anyone else had used her and was happy, she said "i can't tell you that it's confidential". All i ask is reassurance that she is ok.. It's too late in the day to change now, the appeal date is coming through anyday now, i've been given another EP in Bristol.. I'm very confused about this.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UltraMum Report post Posted March 21, 2007 The private Ep we have used has been as thorough as the one Mumble described. We have paid half 14 days before the visit and then the rest on receipt of the report Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
