How can I get an Educational Psychologist’s input for my child?
Ask your child’s school to sign up for a consultation where we can provide advice and guidance including whether they should submit a request for assistance. For a request to be agreed there will usually be a child’s plan, evidence of intervention already tried and a role for an Educational Psychologist that cannot be met by a one-off consultation. We cannot become involved without evidence of parental consent. Demand for our service is very high and we do prioritise based on needs. We often open cases at consultation only level.
If your child does not have a school or nursery please contact us
directly by phoning 01387 260466 or emailing
supportinglearners@dumgal.gov.uk.
How can I access telephone consultation?
Please phone 01387 260466 or email supportinglearners@dumgal.gov.uk asking for telephone consultation with an Educational psychologist. Your details will be passed on to a member of our team and we will call you back. We aim to call back within one week of your request.
How is Educational Psychology involvement different from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service?
An Educational Psychologist is involved to help improve educational experiences and outcomes for children and young people as a result of education; these relate to academic learning and wellbeing in educational contexts. Educational Psychologists are employed by the local authority and are not a health service. We specialise in child
development, education, additional support needs and the development of potential. This does include emotional wellbeing and mental health but we are not a mental health service. We do work with health colleagues in supporting children and young people. This includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, paediatricians, CAMHS and clinical psychology. CAMHS practitioners are not always Psychologists. Their role relates specifically to the mental health of children and young people. Referral to health services, including CAMHS and Clinical Psychology, is completely independent of our service.
Does an Educational Psychologist diagnose things like ADHD and Autism?
ADHD and Autism are medical diagnoses which are identified by medical professionals. An Educational Psychologist might be involved in gathering information which helps inform a diagnosis as part of a team around a child. An Educational Psychologist might, if necessary, provide advice to schools and educational settings about needs related to a diagnosis and how these might be met in the educational context.
Is the involvement of an Educational Psychologist needed for my child to be supported in school?
No. Schools are able to support children and young people in a variety of ways and do not require an Educational Psychologist to do so.
