Private Assessments for SEN: When and How to Get Them

You’ve been waiting months—sometimes years—for your local authority to assess your child. The NHS waiting list for an autism assessment is 18 months long. The school says they’ll refer to educational psychology, but you’re still waiting six months later. Meanwhile, your child is struggling, falling further behind, and you’re running out of time.

This is when many UK parents start considering private assessments. But with costs ranging from £500 to £3,000 or more, it’s a significant decision. Will it actually help? Will the local authority accept it? Is it worth the money? And how do you even find a qualified professional who won’t just take your money and produce a report that gathers dust?

This comprehensive guide will answer all these questions. We’ll explore when private assessments are genuinely beneficial, what types are available, how to find reputable professionals, what to expect cost-wise, and most importantly—how to use these reports strategically to get your child the support they need.

When Should You Consider a Private Assessment?

Private assessments aren’t always necessary, and they’re not always the right solution. Let’s be clear about when they genuinely add value:

Good Reasons to Pursue Private Assessment

• Excessive Waiting Times: NHS or LA services have waiting lists of 12+ months and your child’s needs are urgent
• Diagnostic Gaps: You need a formal diagnosis (autism, ADHD, dyslexia) to access specific support or services
• EHCP Application Strengthening: Your EHCP application lacks professional reports and the LA isn’t providing assessments
• Tribunal Preparation: You’re heading to tribunal and need independent expert evidence
• Second Opinion: You disagree with an LA assessment and need alternative professional input
• Specific Expertise: Your child needs assessment from a specialist (e.g., PDA-informed autism assessment) not available locally
• Comprehensive Picture: Multiple assessments (EP, OT, SALT) to create a complete profile of needs

When Private Assessment May Not Be Worth It

• You’re hoping a diagnosis alone will automatically trigger support (it won’t—you still need to advocate)
• The LA has already agreed to assess and you just want to speed things up slightly
• You can’t afford it and would need to go into debt (there may be other options)
• You haven’t yet requested LA assessment—always try the free route first
• Your child’s school is already providing good support and there’s no immediate need for EHCP

Types of Private SEN Assessments

Understanding what’s available helps you choose the right assessment for your child’s needs:

1. Educational Psychology Assessment

What it is: A comprehensive assessment of your child’s cognitive abilities, learning profile, strengths and difficulties.

Cost: £800-£1,500 typically

Useful for: EHCP applications, understanding learning disabilities, identifying specific interventions, cognitive profiling

What you’ll get: Detailed report with standardized test scores (e.g., WISC for IQ, literacy assessments), analysis of learning profile, recommendations for support

2. Autism Diagnostic Assessment

What it is: Formal assessment for autism spectrum condition, typically using ADOS-2 and ADI-R diagnostic tools

Cost: £1,200-£2,500 (sometimes more for comprehensive multi-disciplinary assessment)

Useful for: Obtaining formal autism diagnosis, accessing autism-specific services, understanding sensory and communication needs

Important note: Make sure you use a qualified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Some private clinics offer “assessments” from unqualified practitioners—these won’t be accepted by LAs or schools.

3. ADHD Assessment

What it is: Assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, typically by a psychiatrist

Cost: £600-£1,200 for initial assessment; ongoing costs if medication is prescribed

Useful for: Accessing medication, understanding attention and executive function difficulties, EHCP evidence

4. Speech and Language Therapy Assessment

What it is: Assessment of communication skills, language comprehension, expressive language, social communication

Cost: £300-£800 for assessment; £50-£100 per therapy session if you continue

Useful for: Understanding communication difficulties, getting specific therapy recommendations, EHCP evidence for speech therapy provision

5. Occupational Therapy Assessment

What it is: Assessment of sensory processing, fine/gross motor skills, daily living skills, self-regulation

Cost: £300-£700 for assessment; £60-£120 per therapy session

Useful for: Sensory processing difficulties, dyspraxia/DCD, handwriting difficulties, self-care skills

How to Find Reputable Private Professionals

This is crucial. The private assessment market is largely unregulated, and there are practitioners who charge high fees but produce reports that are poorly written, lack diagnostic rigor, or won’t be respected by local authorities.

Essential Qualifications to Look For

Required Professional Registration:

• Educational Psychologists: Must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Clinical Psychologists (for autism/ADHD): HCPC registered, experienced in neurodevelopmental assessment
• Psychiatrists (for ADHD/autism): Registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)
• Speech and Language Therapists: Registered with HCPC and Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• Occupational Therapists: HCPC registered, ideally with pediatric SEN experience

Where to Find Qualified Professionals

Recommended Sources:

• Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP): Directory of practicing EPs
• British Psychological Society (BPS): Find registered clinical psychologists
• RCSLT Find a Speech Therapist tool: Search for qualified SALTs in your area
• RCOT Find an OT tool: Royal College of Occupational Therapists directory
• Parent recommendations: Ask in local SEN parent groups—personal recommendations are valuable
• Independent schools/assessment centers: Many have lists of trusted professionals
• Your child’s school SENCO: They may know reputable local private practitioners

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before you commit financially, have a conversation with the professional. Any reputable practitioner will be happy to answer these questions:

Essential Questions:

• What is your professional qualification and registration? (Check they’re on relevant registers)
• How much experience do you have with [specific condition/age group]?
• What does your assessment include? (Which tests, how long, what format?)
• What will the report include? (Request a sample anonymized report if possible)
• How long until I receive the report? (4-6 weeks is typical)
• Do you have experience writing reports for EHCP applications/tribunals? (If that’s your purpose)
• What is the total cost? (Assessment, report writing, any follow-up)
• Can you attend meetings/provide clarification if needed? (Additional cost?)
• What if my child struggles to engage in the assessment? (Flexibility/additional sessions?)

Understanding the Costs

Let’s be transparent about money. Private SEN assessments are expensive, and for many families, they’re simply not affordable. Here’s what you need to know:

Typical UK Costs (2025):

• Educational Psychology assessment: £800-£1,500
• Autism assessment (comprehensive): £1,500-£2,500
• ADHD assessment: £600-£1,200
• Speech and Language assessment: £300-£800
• Occupational Therapy assessment: £300-£700
• Specialist assessments (e.g., dyslexia screening): £400-£800
• Expert witness reports for tribunal: £1,500-£3,000+

These are substantial sums. If you cannot afford private assessment, don’t despair—there are alternatives we’ll discuss below.

Alternatives If You Can’t Afford Private Assessment

If private assessment is financially out of reach, you still have options:

Alternative Approaches:

• Request LA Assessment: Formally request that the LA provide the assessment. They have a duty to assess if your child may have SEN.
• Right to Choose (ADHD): For ADHD, you can use NHS Right to Choose to access private providers funded by NHS
• Charities and Grants: Some charities offer grants for assessments (e.g., Family Fund, local charities)
• University Clinics: Some university psychology departments offer assessments at reduced rates
• Payment Plans: Some practitioners offer payment plans—always ask
• Prioritize: If you can only afford one assessment, choose the one most critical for your EHCP case (often Educational Psychology)
• Strong Parent Evidence: A well-documented parent statement with data can partially compensate for lack of professional reports

Will the LA Accept Private Assessments?

This is a common concern. The good news: local authorities must consider all relevant evidence, including private assessments. The Children and Families Act 2014 is clear on this.

However, the LA is not obligated to agree with private reports. They can commission their own assessments if they disagree. That said, a well-written report from a qualified professional carries significant weight, especially if:

• The professional is appropriately qualified and registered
• The assessment used recognized, standardized tools
• The report is detailed, evidence-based, and makes specific recommendations
• The report addresses educational needs (not just clinical diagnosis)
• The recommendations are realistic and costed

Local authorities generally do accept good quality private reports because they provide evidence the LA needs anyway. If they reject the report, ask them to explain why in writing.

How to Use Private Assessment Reports Effectively

Getting the report is just the first step. Here’s how to maximize its impact:

1. Submit With EHCP Application

Include the full report as supporting evidence when you request an EHC needs assessment. Reference specific recommendations in your request letter.

2. Share With School

Provide the report to your child’s school SENCO. Request a meeting to discuss implementing the recommendations within their SEN Support framework.

3. Use in Annual Reviews

Reference the report in annual reviews, especially if recommended provisions aren’t being met. Use it to push for amendments to the EHCP.

4. Tribunal Evidence

Private reports are powerful tribunal evidence. If you’re appealing, consider commissioning an updated assessment or asking the professional to provide an addendum addressing specific tribunal issues.

5. Track Implementation

The report will contain recommendations. Track whether these are being implemented. If not, you have evidence that recommended support isn’t happening.

What Makes a Good Assessment Report?

Not all reports are created equal. A good assessment report for SEN purposes should include:

Quality Report Checklist

• Background Information: Developmental history, educational history, parent and teacher concerns
• Assessment Methods: Which specific tests were used (named, with version numbers)
• Detailed Observations: How your child presented during assessment
• Results: Standardized scores, percentiles, age equivalents where relevant
• Analysis: What the results mean, patterns identified, areas of strength and difficulty
• Diagnosis/Conclusions: Clear statements about conditions/difficulties identified
• Specific Recommendations: Not vague (“support needed”) but specific (“30 minutes 1:1 SALT weekly”)
• Educational Implications: How findings affect learning and school provision
• Professional Registration: Clear statement of qualifications and registration

Red Flags: Poor Quality Assessments

Unfortunately, some providers offer substandard assessments. Watch out for:

Warning Signs:

• Practitioner is not registered with relevant professional body
• Assessment takes less than 2 hours (comprehensive assessments take time)
• Report is generic or template-based with minimal personalization
• No standardized tests used, just observations and questionnaires
• Diagnosis given after a single brief video call
• Recommendations are vague or non-specific
• Provider guarantees a specific diagnosis before assessment
• Report arrives within days (good reports take 2-6 weeks to write properly)

How Tediverse Supports the Assessment Process

Whether you’re pursuing private or LA assessment, Tediverse can help you prepare and maximize the value:

Tediverse Assessment Support:

• Pre-Assessment Evidence: Document behaviors, patterns, and difficulties to share with the assessor—making their assessment more accurate
• Developmental History: Organize all the background information assessors need (medical history, milestones, school history)
• Report Storage: Keep all assessment reports in one secure, organized location
• Track Recommendations: Monitor whether recommended interventions are being implemented
• Evidence for Follow-Up: If recommendations aren’t working, gather evidence for reassessment
• Share With Professionals: Easily share relevant information with your Care Circle of professionals

Final Thoughts: Are Private Assessments Worth It?

The answer depends entirely on your situation. If you’re facing:

• Long NHS/LA waiting lists and urgent need
• EHCP application or tribunal requiring expert evidence
• Diagnostic uncertainty affecting your child’s support
• Disagreement with LA assessments

…then yes, private assessment can be a worthwhile investment that accelerates support and provides clarity.

However, if you’re hoping that simply getting a diagnosis will magically unlock support, you may be disappointed. Diagnosis is important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. You’ll still need to advocate for provision, whether you have private reports or not.

Always exhaust free routes first—request LA assessment, use NHS Right to Choose for ADHD, seek charity grants. But if you do invest in private assessment, choose carefully, ask the right questions, and use the reports strategically as part of a broader advocacy strategy.

Related Resources

• EHCP Application Guide: Complete UK Process
• Occupational Therapy for SEN: Accessing Support in the UK
• Building Your Appeal Case: Essential Evidence and Expert Reports
• SEN Parent Burnout: Prevention Strategies & Self-Care Guide