What is a Tribunal Specific Service?
Due to overwhelming demand and limited capacity, we have had to change how we offer Tribunal Educational Psychology assessments for First Tier Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunals. Because of the complexities involved, we have now introduced a Tribunal Specific Service.
Please send us an enquiry by getting in touch here.
Tribunal-Specific Assessments
Who carries these out?
Our Tribunal assessments are delivered by two highly experienced psychologists:
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Dr Tamasine Black – Consultant Educational & Child Psychologist, HCPC-registered.
Dr Black has extensive experience supporting children and families through SEND Tribunals, having worked with multiple Local Authorities (including Wandsworth, Islington, Lambeth, Southampton, Hampshire, Kent and BCP). She has sat on numerous SEND panels and is a recommended expert for leading UK solicitors, including Geldards and HCB. -
Dr Vicki Russ – Clinical Psychologist.
Dr Russ specialises in autism, ADHD and cognitive assessment. She may also work directly with your child during the appointment, depending on the complexity of the case.
“[Dr Black] performed very well at Tribunal. Thank you so much for [her] input. Counsel said that [her] reasoning was good and robust and that [she] gave convincing evidence, for which we are very grateful.”
– Salise Dourmoush, Geldards LLP
What does it cover?
Our Tribunal-specific assessments are designed to be comprehensive, robust and evidence-based, providing a clear picture of your child’s strengths and needs. Reports include:
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Face-to-face assessment appointments in our clinic (all direct work with your child takes place in person).
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Standardised assessments and structured clinical observations.
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Information gathered from parents, schools, and other professionals via checklists and qualitative methods.
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Careful reading and analysis of extensive Tribunal bundles, ensuring all available evidence is considered.
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Evidence-based recommendations for strategies, interventions, and provision.
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Optional school visits (within 15 miles of our clinic).
We use PDA-informed, child-led approaches, with sensitivity to possible school-related trauma. Our priority is to gather as much high-quality information as possible within a playful, supportive, and well-regulated interaction, ensuring the child feels safe, engaged, and respected throughout.
These reports are consistently recognised by families and legal teams as being of the highest standard, offering the solid evidence base needed for Tribunal.
The service
The Tribunal Specific Service is a premium package designed for detailed and complex cases. It includes:
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Full face-to-face assessment and written report.
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Review of Tribunal paperwork and bundles.
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Clear recommendations for provision.
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Structured evidence to support SEND Tribunal proceedings.
Cost: £3,500
Additional services (charged at £250/hour, billed in 15-minute increments) can include:
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Parent and school consultations
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Liaison with legal teams
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Professional witness services at Tribunal hearings
Please note: we do not have capacity for urgent addenda, amendments, or unscheduled calls. All work must be agreed and scheduled in advance.
Our approach
We understand how stressful SEND Tribunal proceedings can be for families, and we aim to make the process as supportive and accommodating as possible. However, we expect all interactions to remain professional and respectful. In cases of unprofessional or discourteous behaviour, our involvement will cease immediately, without refund.
Please book in by getting in touch here.
Tribunal Specific Service FAQ
Who carries out the assessment?
Our Tribunal Assessments are carried out by Dr Tamasine Black (Lead Psychologist). She may be supported by a Dr Vicki Russ, clinical psychologist depending on the complexity of the assessment.
What happens after the assessment?
Reports are issued as soon as possible after the in person assessment session.
Reports have to fit within the recent page limit imposed by the SEND First Tier Tribunal of under 15 pages. These include a full analysis of all aspects of your child’s development that have been considered, with an integrated consideration of how their strengths can support success and how any needs are likely to be driving difficulties in wellbeing or attainment at school. SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound) outcomes are provided for progression, with comprehensive, specific and measurable guidance and provision recommended to support these.
Does the assessment follow HCPC and BPS guidelines?
Our assessments are conduced within both HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics as well as the BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Is there any follow up support?
We are able to continuation of services as required, such as:
- Liaison with legal representatives
- Addendum report writing if required
- Attendance at the tribunal hearing
Continued services are charged separately to the Tribunal Specific Service, at the hourly rate. Please inform us if you wish additional services in advance. We cannot guarantee availability of continuous services without payment on account.
We also offer follow up support by offering parent outreach services with Nikki Hammal. These can be conducted at home, or in clinic.
