Educational Psychology Service - information for families

Through the application of psychological knowledge and skills, we aim to help children and young people (from birth to 25 years) overcome barriers to successful learning.

These barriers might arise from:

• learning difficulties and special educational needs (SEN)
• social, emotional or mental health needs
• physical, medical or sensory needs
• communication and language needs

We can provide:

• individual, group and class-based interventions that use specific psychological approaches and techniques
• direct work with children and young people, including a detailed assessment of complex needs
• supporting key adults in schools
• training and development work

We work in response to the council's priorities, including:

• support following a critical incident or tragic event
• the provision of statutory psychological advice
• supporting pupils with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan who are at risk of exclusion
• supporting those who are in the care of the local authority

How we can help

We will try to gain a better understanding of your child’s strengths and difficulties through a consultation model of working, which may include:

• meeting you and the staff
• observing in the classroom or playground
• talking to your child
• looking at schoolwork
• using activities or tests
• developing and reviewing a support plan alongside a written consultation record for all involved

We would always want to meet with you as part of the consultation process. If you wish to be present during any direct work then please discuss this with us. Sometimes it can be reassuring to an anxious or very young child, in other circumstances it may be inappropriate. You are most likely to know how your child will respond.

Who we work with

We work in partnership with:

• individuals and groups of children
• teachers
• teaching assistants
• parents or carers
• other professionals in schools and early years settings
• education officers
• the health service
• social services and other agencies

Accessing the service

If your child’s school commissions our service then there are likely to be established arrangements on how we can work effectively together. They will always ask for your involvement and consent.

If you have concerns about your child

In the first instance, concerns about your child’s learning and progress at school should be discussed with your child’s teacher or the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo). The SENCo will contact us if appropriate to start a discussion about your child’s needs.

Further information

For further information about West Northamptonshire Educational Psychology Service please ask your child’s school, or you can contact us directly by emailing [email protected]

You can view our SEND Parent Information leaflet to find what to expect when an Educational Psychologist becomes involved with your child for an assessment.

Last updated 21 May 2024