Welcome to the Educational Psychology Service
Dumfries and Galloway's Educational Psychology Service provides advice on how children learn, why they sometimes have difficulties learning, and how they can be supported to reach their educational potential.
Our Values
Child and young person centred - We actively seek and value the rights and views of children and young people, adapting approaches to their age, needs, strengths, and context. Their wellbeing, lived experiences and aspirations guide assessment, consultation, and recommendations.
Change is possible - We identify and build on strengths at individual, family, school, and system levels. We work in ways that promote hope, resilience, and a belief in the capacity for growth and change.Respectful collaboration - We aim to empower children, families and professionals as partners by sharing psychological understanding in accessible ways and supporting informed decision-making.Integrity and reliability - We aim to be clear, transparent, and consistent in our practice. We uphold ethical standards, maintain professional boundaries, and follow through on commitments.The importance of relationships - We prioritise the development of safe, trusting relationships, recognising these as central to effective assessment, consultation, and intervention.Purposeful, inclusive education - We support approaches to education that promote holistic development and meaningful learner engagement, alongside academic learning.Psychological perspective - We apply psychological theory to understand and encourage change across systems and contexts which influence learning, behaviour, child development, and wellbeing.Evidence-based, least intrusive, most effective practice - We draw on current research, professional guidance, and evidence-informed approaches, integrating these with professional judgement and the views of those involved.
Our Vision
"We envision a D&G where every child and young person's voice shapes the support they receive. Through evidence-based psychological practice, we work collaboratively with children, families and professional partners to create lasting change, not just for individuals, but across entire systems. By making psychology explicit and accessible, learning together, and embracing continuous improvement, we ensure everyone understands how we work, why we work this way and the unique difference educational psychology brings"
