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Devon’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Local Offer

What an educational psychologist does – a guide for children and young people


You are probably reading this because someone has asked you to meet with an educational psychologist (EP). You may be wondering what an EP does and what might happen.

Watch this short video – it is from the Devon Educational Psychology Service and is for younger children.

The Devon Educational Psychology Service has also produced this short video – which is for young people to watch.

EPs work with children and young people who may need some help with:

  • thinking and learning
  • understanding behaviour
  • understanding feelings
  • relationships
  • problem solving
  • communication
  • memory
  • study skills

Why has the EP been asked to see you?

The EP may be involved because someone is concerned about how things are going and they care about what is happening in your life. The EP starts by talking to adults who know you well. At this stage, they will try to come up with an action plan that will help you. Sometimes the EP will need to meet with you or observe you in class to find out how you’re getting on.

What will happen if you see the EP?

You might meet the EP at home or in school. Sometimes, the EP might see you once or they might see you several times. They may:

  • have a conversation with you to find out more about you
  • talk with people who know you well to find out more information
  • work with you on some tasks or activities
  • spend some time with you in your lessons

What will it be like?

The EP will want to make you feel comfortable and they won’t make you say or do anything that you are not happy with. If you feel concerned or worried then you can tell the EP or another adult involved who will try and explain things more clearly.

Your opinion will be listened to and we will always try and include you in deciding ways forward.

What next?

The EP will continue to talk to the people who are working with you to find out how things are going and plan things that may help.

If you have any questions about working with the EP then you can:

  • ask an adult you trust at school or at home
  • ask the EP when you see them


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