Information for Parents with Children Aged 0 to 5

Every school has the support of an Educational Psychologist - a specialist on how children and young people develop and learn.

Part of the Educational Psychologist’s job is to assess the needs of children who may be having difficulty with their learning and development. Advice is offered to the parents, pre-school, school and the Local Authority about a child’s special educational needs and ways in which to help them.

If parents are concerned that their child may have special educational needs they should speak first to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) at the pre-school or school setting. They will be able to intervene and monitor progress. If the difficulties persist the SENCo, with parental agreement, will ask for further advice from the Educational Psychology Service. The pre-school SENCo can also ask advice from the Early Years Inclusion Service.

• Informed Consent
  Educational Psychologists only work directly with children and young people with a parent/carer’s permission.
  
  
• Parenting Courses
  Through some pre-schools and schools, parenting courses run in conjunction with the Educational Psychology Team.
  
  
• Drop in Centres
  Educational Psychologists visit the Sure Start Children’s Centres where drop in sessions are held. These are opportunities to discuss developmental concerns of worries. Appointments are not always necessary. These can be accessed by contacting the manager of the local centre or the manager of the local Cluster Group.
  
  If the parent of a very young child is worried about their development, a discussion with the allocated Health Visitor or Doctor would also be advisable.