How Educational Psychologists Work with Schools

The Consultation Approach

The Educational Psychology Service (EPS) operate through a consultation model of service delivery. A consultation meeting is a problem-solving meeting which values the knowledge and skills of everyone present. These are also the people that know the child well. Through this meeting the child’s strengths are celebrated, concerns are shared and plans to promote the best way forward are devised. Actions are agreed by everyone to create a positive change

This means that after initial discussions with parents/teachers and possible assessment work with a child any interventions/recommended courses of action are usually undertaken, not by the Educational Psychologist, but by someone close to the child such as the child’s teacher, a member of the school support staff or the parents.

Other work within schools carried out by the Educational Psychology Service

• A range of  parent training courses are currently being developed covering both primary and secondary-age children.
• The EPS providing support and advice for schools/parents of pupils with Special Educational Needs due to transfer to secondary school.
• Some children will need a Statutory Assessment. We provide Educational Psychology advice for the assessment.
• The skills and experience of the team enable the Service to deliver a range of training and INSET opportunities for teachers, other professional colleagues, governors and parents.
• The continued professional development of Special Educational Needs Coordinator' s (SENCO’s) is promoted through courses, annual SENCO Conference and Forums, hosted by the Educational Psychology Service.
• Support and advice is often provided by the Educational Psychology Service to support Looked after chidlren attending school in Torbay.
• The EPS provides advice and support to schools regarding pupils who may be at risk of an exclusion as well as those returing after an exclusion.
• Support is also provided to children who are receiving ‘Education other than at school’, for instance those pupils attending a ‘Pupil Referral Unit’.