Educational Psychology Service

The Educational Psychology Service (EPS) delivers high-quality education support services to schools and settings across Devon.

How educational psychologists help children and young people

Educational psychologists (EPs) use specialist psychological knowledge and skills to promote the development, learning, achievement and well-being of children and young people from 0 – 25 years.

It takes at least 8 years to train as an EP. The training includes an initial psychology degree, work with children and completing a doctorate in Educational Psychology. Ongoing training and development is a professional requirement. This means that we base our independent advice on extensive up-to-date knowledge of research and good practice.

How educational psychologists’ skills are used in Devon

• Schools and settings engage us to use psychological knowledge and skills in specific ways depending upon what is needed.
• Each of our EPs completes a range of work to achieve different purposes.
• Some EPs also have specialisms in areas such as Early Years or Relational Practice.
• The EPS is organised into three locality teams across Devon: Exeter and East Devon, North and Mid Devon, and South and West Devon.
• Each team provides a service to a group of learning communities and the children, young people and families who live there.

Most EP work is consultative. This means that the EP meets with adults who know the child or young person well to agree action plans without the need to meet them, unless this is necessary.

Our EPs are trusted professionals because they have:

• a passion for thinking about the perspective of children and young people and achieving best outcomes
• a friendly and approachable style so that they are good at connecting with people
• a detailed understanding of child development, emotional health and wellbeing and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• substantial experience supporting children and young people in education from 0- 25 years of age
• excellent knowledge of the current education system including the SEND legislation and Devon-specific processes
• commitment to providing independent advice and working ethically based on the British Psychological Society Code of Ethics, Conduct and Professional Practice Guidelines (2018)

Our EPs are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) 

Information for children and young people and parents

The Devon EPS has made two short videos for children and young people, to explain what an educational psychologist does.