What do we do?

We use consultation, structured observation, and a range of assessment techniques to gather information to help others - such as teachers and parents to resolve problems. We: -

• provide advice on children's learning, social, emotional, behavioural and developmental needs to school staff, parents, and other professionals within the DfES Code of Practice on Special Educational Needs.
• 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.
• provide training on all aspects of child development, learning and behaviour.
• contribute to a range of initiatives to provide direct support to pupils, teachers and families.
• support schools following 'critical incidents' such as a sudden bereavement.
• contribute to the formulation of Local Authority policies and procedures relating to all aspects of education and children's welfare.

How do we deliver these services?

• All schools have a named educational psychologist who provides regular visits. The frequency of these visits is determined by a formula designed to allocate EP time on the basis of need. Factors include the size of the school and numbers of pupils with additional needs.
• Planning and Review meetings held with Special Needs Co-ordinators are used:
• to determine priorities
• to discuss strategies and facilitate joint problem solving with staff and parents.
• to monitor and review children's progress.
• to plan whole-school approaches such as training or staff support
• to agree appropriate action by the educational psychologist
• Pre-school children may be assessed in their homes or in pre-school placements. Educational Psychologists also attend case conferences held in Child Development Centres.
• All Children's Homes and District Social Services teams have a named educational psychologist. Through input to Primary Care Group Joint Agency Teams, working with staff from Health and Social Services.

What additional services can we offer?

Educational Psychologists can also:

• offer a wide range of training courses for teachers and other professionals.
• We contribute to a range of research and government funded initiatives (e.g. to support inclusion, and to raise the attainments of children in public care)
• Negotiate work commissioned by schools or the Local Education Authority of which we are a part (e.g. 'Retracking' projects, Supported Return to School, monitoring of special educational provision)

How can the service be accessed?

• Through Planning and Review meetings held in schools with Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators which are used to determine priorities and the nature of involvement by the EP, if required
• Social Services staff may also contact the named psychologist for the District Team or Children's Home
• Requests for training should be directed to the local psychologist or through completion of the application form in the Staff Development Directory
• Other enquiries may be directed to the educational psychologist for the area, via the local EPS office
• Enquiries about additional services should be directed to the Principal or Deputy Principal Educational Psychologist