Seeking involvement from the service

If you are concerned about your child's progress at school you should discuss this with the class teacher, the school special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO), or the head teacher. If your child continues to have difficulties the SENCO may decide to meet with the educational psychologist. You will always be consulted about any involvement with your child.

What does the educational psychology team provide?

• We consult with teachers, parents and carers to find the best ways of helping children with special educational needs (SEN).
• We assess children's special needs.
• We undertake direct psychological intervention work with children.
• We advise the local education authority.
• We monitor teaching arrangements to make sure that resources are used in the best way possible.
• We provide training for professionals, voluntary groups, parents and carers.
• We do project work to improve teaching and learning for all children, in particular vulnerable groups of young people.
• We advise and support schools and families.
• Preschool work.

For full details of the service provided see our educational psychology publications, which can be downloaded from the right hand side of this page.

Assessments

We will tailor your child's assessment to suit their specific needs, by talking to teachers and taking your child's views into account.

We usually see children in school but also work with children at home or in specialist settings such as the child development centre. We may carry out observation in class as well as working directly with your child. Assessment is usually carried out over time so that we can see how your child responds to different ways of teaching and learning.

We will then talk with parents, carers and teachers to draw up an individual education plan (IEP) which will record any actions we agree to take.

In most cases we will be involved in further planning and review meetings.