Educational psychologist in an EHC needs assessment: what parents should know

Why educational psychology advice is part of the assessment

The SEND Regulations require a local authority carrying out an EHC needs assessment to seek a range of advice, including psychological advice and information from an educational psychologist. The purpose is not simply to produce a diagnosis or test score: the assessment should identify needs, the provision that may be required, and relevant outcomes.

Can existing educational psychology advice be used?

Yes, in some cases. Regulation 6 says the local authority must not seek fresh advice under the listed categories where advice has already been provided and the professional who gave it, the local authority and the parent or young person are all satisfied that it is sufficient for the EHC needs assessment.

This means an existing report is not automatically accepted as a substitute, but neither should fresh assessment be commissioned simply as a formality if suitable advice already exists and the required parties agree it is sufficient.

Your evidence should be available to advisers

When seeking advice, the local authority must provide the adviser with relevant parent or young-person representations and evidence submitted by or at their request. Make sure important evidence has actually been sent to the EHC team rather than assuming the professional already has it.

What to tell the educational psychologist

• Your child’s strengths, interests and what helps them engage.
• The main barriers to learning or participation.
• What support has already been tried and its impact.
• Patterns that may not be obvious during a short observation.
• What a difficult day and a successful day look like.
• Any recent changes in attendance, emotional wellbeing or access to education.

What to check when the advice arrives

Read beyond labels and scores. Does the report describe the needs clearly? Does it explain the educational impact? Are the recommendations specific enough to help the local authority decide what provision is required?

If something important is factually wrong or missing, raise it promptly in writing. Distinguish between correcting a factual error and disagreeing with a professional opinion.

How long does professional advice have?

Regulation 8 provides a six-week period for bodies asked to cooperate with an EHC needs assessment, subject to limited exceptions. The overall EHC process also has its own statutory timescales, so a delay in one piece of advice can affect the wider process.

Do you need to pay privately?

You are not required to buy a private educational psychology assessment simply because an EHC needs assessment is taking place. The local authority is responsible for securing the statutory assessment process. A family may choose to obtain private advice, but that is a separate decision.