An Educational Psychologist (EP) supports schools and families where the child or young person is having difficulties in school with learning, behaviour or emotions. The SENCo meets termly with the EP from the Local Authority to discuss children where there are concerns and to decide on the children who are most appropriate for the EP to work with. After this, a meeting will be set up where school staff, parents / carers and the EP will meet together to discuss the difficulties that a child is having in school and at home if appropriate. The EP will then meet the child to complete some observations and assessments, and will then meet again with parents / carers and school staff to discuss strategies which may help the child. They will then produce a report on the work they have done.

An Educational Psychologist is not the same as a medical psychologist. The work of an Educational Psychologist is around the child’s ability to learn. They do not work for the NHS and they do not provide counselling. If we suggest your child should see an Educational Psychologist, this does not mean that we think your child has mental health difficulties.