Tribunal Services

The practice offers expert witness services including legally binding assessment reports for EHCPs or tribunals and expert witness testimony. We have legally trained SLTs who provide this service for current and new customers. 

Process

Our legally trained therapists can work with existing clients or new clients. The process begins with a preliminary meeting and is followed by information gathering and review of relevant documents. The therapist then completes a thorough assessment and observation. The next stage is preparation of a legally compatible report. The last stage which may have to be taken is court appearance to provide expert witness testimony. However, not all cases will require court appearance. 

Stage 1: Assessment & Information Gathering

  • A parent consultation video call

  • Individual assessment face to face with the child or young person (This can take place in their educational setting, home or our therapy room as appropriate)

  • Liaison with educational team if assessment is completed in school

  • Review of other professional reports

  • Telephone liaison with other relevant professionals

Stage 2: Written Report

  • Provision of a legally binding assessment report including specified and quantified hours and outcomes for the relevant EHCP sections

Stage 3: Provision of Expert Witness Testimony in Court (if required)

Payment is taken in instalments.  An initial payment of £900 is payable to secure the assessment.  Hours related to tribunal work will be charged at our hourly rate of £80.  Travel and accommodation charges will be added as required.

Alison McWhinnie
We’ve had a great experience working with The Orchid Practice. We needed updated assessments and a tribunal report as we prepared to appeal sections B, F and I of my son’s EHCP. Amy worked closely with the EP and OT to fully understand his profile. Thinking holistically about our son has helped us to understand more about his needs and what provision would be most suited. Having professionals alongside enabled us to feel supported and prepared as we moved towards the tribunal date. Thankfully the local authority conceded before we got to tribunal. My son got his school. The EHCP still needs updating and the amazing report written for the tribunal will be used in the upcoming review. We hope to continue working with the team in the future. We would highly recommend The Orchid Practice. Tim and Alison