Why private assessments often outperform local authority reports
local authority-commissioned reports are often constrained by:
- Time pressure — local authority EPs often have very limited assessment time per child
- local authority-imposed thresholds — implicit caps on provision recommendations
- Single-setting observation — usually school only, not home or other contexts
- Limited briefing — focused on assessment outcome rather than EHCP needs
- Workload — high caseloads reduce report depth and specificity
A well-commissioned private report typically has more time with the child, observes in multiple settings, engages with parents, and can produce Section F-focused recommendations. Where the case is contested, this depth often makes the difference at Tribunal.
Which private assessments help which cases
Educational Psychology (EP)
When useful: Almost always valuable. Cognitive, learning, social-emotional profile + provision recommendations. Decisive in many cases.
Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)
When useful: Where social communication, expressive/receptive language, or speech sound needs are central. Particularly important for autism cases.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
When useful: Sensory processing assessment for autism, ADHD, sensory integration needs. Motor coordination assessment for DCD/dyspraxia.
Diagnostic autism assessment
When useful: Where NHS waits are 12+ months and diagnosis is needed for evidence/placement. ADOS-2 or comparable assessments.
Diagnostic ADHD assessment
When useful: Where NHS waits are blocking the picture. Comprehensive assessment with paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Specialist dyslexia assessment
When useful: Where school cannot provide a specialist assessment. AMBDA or chartered EP-led assessment.
Mental health / clinical psychology
When useful: Where anxiety, OCD, trauma or other mental health needs are core to the case. Particularly useful for EBSA cases.
How to commission and use a private assessment
- 1
Identify which assessments would help your case
Match the assessment to your child's profile and the gaps in current evidence. EP is almost always valuable. SALT for communication. OT for sensory/motor. Diagnostic assessment if NHS waits are blocking the picture.
- 2
Find an assessor with EHCP/Tribunal experience
Ask the assessor about their EHCP work and willingness to attend Tribunal if needed. Check professional registration. Get a recommendation if you can — quality varies widely.
- 3
Brief the assessor on EHCP context
Tell them what the EHCP application/appeal is about, what gaps exist in current evidence, and what you need the report to address. A well-briefed assessor produces a more useful report than a generic clinical assessment.
- 4
Ensure school is informed and involved
The assessor will usually want to liaise with school, observe the child, and get teacher input. Facilitate this — schools sometimes need encouragement but are usually cooperative.
- 5
Review the draft report carefully
Most assessors send a draft. Check: are all needs captured? Are recommendations specific enough for Section F? Is the EHCP-level need clearly justified? Ask for changes if necessary.
- 6
Submit to local authority and use in your case
Submit to the local authority during assessment, with your draft EHCP comments, or as part of your appeal bundle. Quote from the report in your written representations.
What makes a strong EHCP-focused report
Not all private reports are equally useful for EHCP purposes. The strongest reports include:
- Detailed needs profile across all four broad areas of SEN
- Observation of the child in multiple settings (school, home, sometimes specialist)
- Engagement with parent and child voice
- Specific Section F-style recommendations: hours, frequency, qualifications, named approaches
- Explicit opinion on whether mainstream resources can meet needs
- Comparison with EHCP-level provision
- Case law / Code of Practice reference where relevant
- Willingness to attend Tribunal if required (some charge for this)
Choosing a private assessor
- Appropriately registered (HCPC, BPS, RCSLT, RCOT, GMC, AMBDA)
- Experience with EHCP applications and SEND Tribunal appeals
- Familiar with your child's profile (autism, PDA, EBSA, etc.)
- Willing to liaise with school and observe in school setting
- Provides a draft for parent comment before finalising
- Section F-focused recommendations (not just clinical labels)
- Reasonable cost and clear payment terms
- Willing to attend Tribunal hearing if needed (and clear about cost)
Common pitfalls with private assessments
- Generic clinical report not focused on EHCP — wastes the report's value
- No school observation or liaison — weakens evidential weight
- Vague recommendations ('access to support') rather than Section F-style specifics
- Choosing assessor without checking professional registration
- Submitting late — should be in evidence early, not at hearing eve
- Not briefing assessor on EHCP context
- Assuming any private report will move the local authority — quality matters