The Educational Psychology Service

What is an Educational Psychologist?

Educational Psychologists (EP’s) provide guidance and support to schools on a range of issues including Special Educational Needs (SEN). They work with parents, carers and teachers to identify and support the SEN of individual children at home and at school.

All EP’s have qualifications in Psychology and Educational Psychology and are not usually medically qualified. They may also be qualified teachers with teaching experience.

What does their work include?

EP’s help children from Nursery school to age 19. They assess how best to help by observing and working with children at home and at school. The EP works closely with parents and school staff to plan a programme of support.

Usually the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) at school will contact an EP after deciding the child might benefit from their help. The school then contacts parents for permission to provide the specialist support.

Parents / carers, the school and the EP review the plan to make sure the child’s needs are being met.

Amended September 2011