Who are EPs?

Educational Psychologists

• 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

Who do EPs work with?

• Staff in pre-school settings, primary, secondary and special schools
• Children, parents, carers and families
• Other professionals involved in the care of children and young people

What do EPs do?

• Help to identify and work with children who have difficulties with learning or behaviour
• Support schools in raising pupil achievement and promote school effectiveness
• Work with parents to help resolve their children’s difficulties both at home and at school.
• Provide training for teachers, assistants and other staff on all aspects of child development
• Undertake research to improve our knowledge of difficulties with learning and behaviour
• Contribute psychological advice to the Statutory Assessment of children under the 1996 Education Act and to the monitoring of the progress of children with Statements of Special Educational Need

What happens when an EP becomes involved with your child?

Initially the EP will consult with relevant pre-school or school staff about the action that has already been taken to help your child.  The EP may work with staff to help formulate targets and strategies that the pre-school/school will discuss with you.

If parents and pre-school agree to request further EP involvement, the Pre-School Advisory Teacher/school completes an information form which they will discuss with you and ask you to sign to show that you give consent.

The EP will then arrange to do some or all of the following:

• meet with you to discuss your views on your child's progress and hear your concerns and discuss their involvement with your child.
• observe your child in the pre-school placement/home/classroom
• talk to your child’s teacher and other school staff.
• work with your child to assess their strengths and needs. (you are entitled to be present while any assessment work takes place but as this is usually integrated into the normal school day, it is not essential for you to be there)

seek information from other professionals (with your agreement) who are involved with your child

What happens next?

The EP will use this information to work with you and school staff to design programmes to help your child.

The EP will provide advice towards the Individual Education or Behaviour Plan already maintained by your child’s school.

The EP and the school will keep records of the involvement with your child. You will always have the opportunity to meet with the EP to talk through the plans for your child.

If a psychological report or summary record is written, you will receive a copy.

If further work or monitoring of your child’s progress is agreed, the EP will do this as part of their regular visits to school.  You will be invited to attend review meetings.

If you have any further queries please

• Talk with the Head Teacher or Special Needs Co-ordinator or teacher in charge at your child’s school/pre-school placement.

Or

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