When to get independent reports
Get an independent assessment if: the school won't arrange an assessment the LA requires (e.g., EP assessment for EHCP), NHS waiting lists are too long (e.g., SALT assessment), you want a second opinion, or you want evidence before requesting an EHCP to make your case stronger. Independent (private) assessments carry the same weight as school or NHS assessments - it's the quality and professional standing of the assessor that matters, not who employs them.
Educational Psychology reports
Private EP assessments cost £600-1500 depending on the EP and comprehensiveness. To find a private EP, ask your school SENCO, search the British Psychological Society register, or ask IPSEA for recommendations. A good EP assessment looks at cognitive abilities, attainment, learning profile, and recommendations for support. Specify what you want assessed (reading, maths, learning generally, attention, memory). A thorough assessment usually takes 4-6 hours plus report writing.
SALT and OT reports
Speech and language therapy assessments cost £300-800; occupational therapy £300-1000. NHS waiting lists are often too long. Private therapists are easily found online. When commissioning, be specific about what you want assessed (e.g., "expressive and receptive language, sentence construction, functional communication in school"). Request a report that is suitable for EHCP purposes and includes standardised scores and recommendations.
Medical reports and letters
Doctors and paediatricians can write letters describing your child's condition and functional impact. These usually cost £50-200 (private doctors may charge more than NHS). Write to the doctor or consultant explaining you're requesting an EHCP and ask them to write a letter supporting this. A doctor's letter carries significant weight, especially if they know your child and can speak to the impact of their condition.
Using independent reports in your EHCP case
Include independent reports with your EHCP request. The LA must consider them. When requesting assessment, reference them: "We have obtained an independent educational psychology assessment (dated [date]) which identifies [specific findings]. This confirms our concern that [child] has special educational needs requiring assessment." If the LA refuses to assess despite independent reports showing need, this strengthens an appeal to Tribunal. The Tribunal takes professional evidence seriously, regardless of who commissioned it.