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.

    • The offer of School Systems Work is needs led and therefore is always evolving and adapting in line with data being evaluated. In the past the service has offered such systems interventions as:

  • Counselling in Schools Project.
  • Working on What Works (WOWW).
  • Youth Participative Dialogic Action Research (YPDAR).

    • What is currently on offer may or may not include past offers and this will depend on the need at the time.