Private assessments for EHCP: when, why and how to commission | EHCP Clarity
EHCP Evidence

Private assessments for EHCP: when, why and how to commission

A well-chosen private assessment often shifts an EHCP case — particularly an Educational Psychology report. Private assessments are not required, but they are widely accepted by LAs and the SEND Tribunal and frequently provide the depth, specificity and child-centred reasoning that LA-commissioned reports lack. This guide explains which assessments help, how to choose an assessor, and how to use reports effectively.

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Quick answer

Private assessments — particularly Educational Psychology reports — often shift EHCP cases. Both LAs and the SEND Tribunal routinely accept reports from appropriately registered professionals (HCPC, BPS, GMC). Typical costs: EP £800-£1,800, SALT £300-£900, OT £400-£900, private autism/ADHD assessments £1,500-£3,500. Brief the assessor on EHCP context for a Section F-focused report rather than a generic clinical assessment.

Why private assessments often outperform LA reports

LA-commissioned reports are often constrained by:

  • Time pressure — LA EPs often have very limited assessment time per child
  • LA-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.

Typical cost: £800-£1,800

Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)

When useful: Where social communication, expressive/receptive language, or speech sound needs are central. Particularly important for autism cases.

Typical cost: £300-£900

Occupational Therapy (OT)

When useful: Sensory processing assessment for autism, ADHD, sensory integration needs. Motor coordination assessment for DCD/dyspraxia.

Typical cost: £400-£900

Diagnostic autism assessment

When useful: Where NHS waits are 12+ months and diagnosis is needed for evidence/placement. ADOS-2 or comparable assessments.

Typical cost: £1,500-£3,500

Diagnostic ADHD assessment

When useful: Where NHS waits are blocking the picture. Comprehensive assessment with paediatrician or psychiatrist.

Typical cost: £1,000-£2,500

Specialist dyslexia assessment

When useful: Where school cannot provide a specialist assessment. AMBDA or chartered EP-led assessment.

Typical cost: £400-£900

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.

Typical cost: £600-£1,500

How to commission and use a private assessment

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 6

    Submit to LA and use in your case

    Submit to the LA 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 LA — quality matters

Frequently asked questions

Should I get private assessments to support my EHCP case?
Often yes. Private assessments — particularly an Educational Psychology report — substantially strengthen EHCP applications and SEND Tribunal appeals. The LA's commissioned EP may have limited time, may not see the child in their usual environment, and may apply LA-imposed thresholds. A well-chosen private EP report often shifts cases.
Which private assessments help most?
Educational Psychology (EP) report is most often decisive. Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) where social communication or speech needs are central. Occupational Therapy (OT) for sensory processing or motor needs. Diagnostic assessment (autism, ADHD, dyslexia) where NHS waits are long. Specialist mental health input where anxiety/CAMHS is core to the case.
Are private reports accepted by the LA and SEND Tribunal?
Yes. Both LAs and the SEND Tribunal routinely accept private reports from appropriately qualified professionals — chartered EPs (registered with HCPC), HCPC-registered SALTs and OTs, GMC-registered medics, and qualified specialists with relevant credentials. The Tribunal weighs reports on quality and reasoning, not on whether NHS or private.
How much do private assessments cost?
Typical UK ranges (2024-25): EP report £800-£1,800; SALT assessment £300-£900; OT assessment £400-£900; private autism assessment £1,500-£3,500; private ADHD assessment £1,000-£2,500; private dyslexia assessment £400-£900. Costs vary by region and professional.
How do I find a good private assessor?
Recommendations from parent networks (local SEND Facebook groups, IPSEA forum, NAS/PDA Society/BDA registers). Check professional registration (HCPC, BPS, RCSLT, RCOT, GMC) and ask about EHCP/Tribunal experience. Some assessors specialise in particular profiles (e.g. PDA, EBSA, gifted-and-twice-exceptional).
What should a private report cover for EHCP purposes?
Comprehensive needs profile across all four SEN areas, clear recommendations for SEN provision required, opinion on whether mainstream resources can meet needs, comparison with EHCP-level provision, and specific Section F-style recommendations (hours, frequency, qualifications). Generic clinical reports are less useful than EHCP-focused ones.
Can I get the LA to pay for private assessments?
Generally no, but: (1) the LA must commission appropriate professional advice during EHC needs assessment — if it does not, you can challenge; (2) LGSCO sometimes orders cost recovery for unreasonable LA decisions; (3) some legal aid options exist via Exceptional Case Funding for very limited cases; (4) some assessors offer reduced fees or payment plans.
Do private reports replace LA-commissioned reports?
No — they sit alongside. The LA must still seek its own EP advice during assessment. Your private report supplements the LA's evidence and is often more detailed, more child-centred, and more EHCP-focused. Both end up in the Section K appendices.

Related guides

Sources and further reading

This is general information, not legal advice. EHCP Clarity helps parents organise and prepare their own materials. It does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or tribunal advocacy, and nothing on this page should be relied on as a substitute for advice about your specific situation. For free independent expert support, contact IPSEA, SOS!SEN, or your local SENDIASS. For legal representation, instruct a SEND solicitor.