What is School Systems Work?

School systems work refers to the activities undertaken by Educational Psychologists that aim to improve outcomes for children and young people by influencing the structures, processes and practices of schools at a systemic or organisational level, rather than focusing solely on individual learners.

What does this involve?

  • Working with school leadership and staff teams to shape policy, practice and culture.
  • Using psychological theory, research and data to inform whole-school approaches.
  • Building capacity within schools so that staff can effectively meet a wide range of needs.
  • Supporting preventative and early intervention strategies at a universal level.
  • Facilitating sustainable change that impacts groups of learners and the wider school community.

    • This contrasts with casework by focusing on systemic change, maximising impact and long-term improvement.

    Examples of School Systems Work in Dumfries and Galloway


    Video Interactive Guidance

  • Supporting key adults (e.g., teachers, PSAs, parents) to notice and build on successful interactions, develop attuned communication with children and young people, and facilitate structured video-based reflection cycles.

    • Systems Imact

  • Enhanced Relational Practice Across the School.
  • Improved Staff Confidence and Self-efficacy.
  • Prevention and Early Intervention.
  • Contributing to Inclusive Ethos.

    • Example Functions of Video Enhanced Reflective Practice (VERP)

  • Group and team-based work.
  • Leadership and systems work.
  • Professional learning.

    • Systems Impact of VERP

  • Embedded Reflective Culture.
  • Consistency of Practice Across Staff.
  • Strengthened Staff Relationships and Team Functioning.

    • Request for Educational Psychology Service School Systems Support

  • Please click here, to download our referral for EP school system input. Once you have completed filling out this form it can be emailed to the Education Hub at EducationRequestforAssistance@dumgal.gov.uk. This request will then be sent to our Moderation Team for discussion and consideration.
  • Following provisional agreement an EP will meet with you and draft a service level agreement with expectations of all parties to be ratified..