What do educational and child psychologists do?
Educational psychologists (EPs) are registered with the Health Professionals Council and have expertise in education, child development and the application of psychology theory to improve the educational success and well-being of children and young people. They understand the legal framework for the education of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN).
We clarify concerns and set up positive interventions through consultation (defined as joint problem solving). EPs work particularly closely with schools and parents/carers and other agencies to support children and young people experiencing a range of challenges, including those who are vulnerable and those with SEN. Importantly, EPs aim to increase the capacity of schools to meet all children’s needs, not just those with the greatest barriers to learning.
As part of the integrated SEND Service the EPS has strong links with our schools, early-years settings and with other council and partner agencies (such as the Virtual School and Social Care). The advice and support the service can offer is therefore well integrated into the broader systems of support for vulnerable children and young people and their families. EPs work with 0 – 25 years age range.
The type of work Educational Psychologists might undertake:
- Consultation (defined as joint problem solving) with teachers, parents/carers and other adults who work with children, young people, and young adults to clarify concerns and set up positive interventions.
- Psychological assessments (including those contributing to Education, Health, and Care Plans)
- Advice, guidance, and interventions (e.g., strategies and ideas to move problematic situations forward positively)
- Professional development and training for organisations and groups
- Video Interactive Guidance
- Research and evaluation
- Support for Critical Incidents in schools
- Educational Psychologists can also work with groups of children, young people, and parents/carers.
Meet the Team:
Educational Psychology is a Doctoral level profession, and all EPs are fully registered with the Health Care Professions Council. Every year, trainee educational psychologists from local universities (such as UCL IoE and Tavistock and Portman) work with as part of their doctorate.
How to work with us:
EPs are linked to most educational settings in LBHF. For your child to have EP involvement, the educational setting must complete a referral form with you which involves giving consent for us to work with your child.
EPs also complete statutory assessments for children and young people where an Educational, Health and Care Plan Needs assessment has been initiated for them. This is allocated to EPs via the Local Authority EHCP team.