Who are EPs?

Educational Psychologists have knowledge and understanding of children’s development. They

• have undertaken specialist post graduate professional training in educational psychology
• are qualified and experienced teachers
• are registered or are entitled to register for Chartered Status with the British Psychological Society

Their role is to find solutions to difficulties in early years settings [and schools] and at home, to enable children to get the best from their educational opportunities.

EPs in the Early Years usually work with:

• children, parents, carers and families
• staff in early years settings including play-groups, opportunity groups, nurseries and reception classes
• other professionals involved in the education and care of pre-school children e.g. Speech and Language Therapists, Health Visitors, Paediatricians, Portage Workers, Pre-School Advisory Teachers (PSATs). They also work with Social Services where there are concerns about children's welfare.

Who requests our involvement?

With the consent of parents we usually receive requests for direct involvement with children at Early Years Action Plus from PSATs and Portage workers during termly liaison meetings.

EP involvement with children in the Early Years includes:

a) assessment of an individual child’s learning and/or behavioural needs which can lead to:

• advice to parents/carers
• advice to staff working in early years provision such as a nursery
• contributing psychological advice to the Statutory Assessment of children under the 1996 Education Act and to monitoring of the progress of children with Statements of Special Educational Need
• monitoring of your child’s progress and development.

b) providing training for staff working in Early Years provision on aspects of:

• children’s development
• behaviour management
• planning for effective learning
• promoting inclusion in local provision.

c) providing training on positive parenting including managing behaviour effectively and promoting play and language skills

d) sharing current research and good practice

e) raising awareness of equal opportunities for all children regardless of gender, ethnic origin and religious belief, or of any disability

What happens when an EP becomes involved with your child?

Our involvement may include all or some of the following:

• meeting with you to discuss your views on your child's progress, listening to your concerns and discussing our involvement with your child
• consulting with pre-school staff on what action has already been taken to support your child
• observing your child in a variety of settings including home and early years placement(s)
• working with your child to assess their strengths and needs. (You can be present during the assessment)
• liasing with other professionals who know your child

What happens next?

Once we have this information we will work with you and the staff to design programmes to help your child.

We will provide advice towards the Individual Education and/or Behaviour Plan.

We will keep records of our involvement with your child. You will receive a copy of any psychological report or summary record written concerning your child.

You will always have the opportunity to meet with the EP to talk through the plans for your child.

If further work or monitoring of your child’s progress is necessary you will be kept informed of arrangements and will be invited to attend review meetings

If you have any further queries please

• Talk with the SENCo at your child's Early Years placement.

Or

• Contact the service directly and ask to speak to an Educational Psychologist.