What is Parent Consultation?

  • Parent Consultation is a service offered by Dumfries and Galloway's Educational Psychology Service for parents and carers to speak with an Educational Psychologist about a child or young person, or an educational issue.
  • These sessions are typically 25 minutes long and are held either online through Microsoft Teams or via a phone call.

    • Why use Parent Consultation?

  • Parent Consultation aims to provide accessible, psychological evidence-based guidance for families of individual children and young people who are not open cases within our service. It can also be an opportunity to discuss broader educational and school-related issues or challenges.

    • How can I book a consulation?

  • These consultation sessions can be booked by emailing SupportingLearners@dumgal.gov.uk and asking for a consultation to be booked with an Educational Psychologist. Alternatively you can phone the Council's main number at 030 33 33 3000 or 01387 260466 to request a Parent Consultation slot.
  • Please note that you need to book one consultation slot per child or young person that is to be discussed. You may need to share information about the school, the child and why you are requesting a consultation
  • To discuss named children or young people, consent must be sought from someone with parental responsibilities and/or the young person if they are over the age of 12. The parent or young person has the right to say what information you are allowed to share.

    • What happens after I book a consultation?

  • Depending on whether you request for a Microsoft Teams meeting, or a telephone consultation, you will be sent an email confirming the booking with a Microsoft Teams meeting link. There will be an option to have this as a phone call if this would be preferable.
  • Take some time to think about what you would like to gain from the consultation and make sure you have the information you might need. It is always advisable to obtain the views of the child/young person and school prior to having a Parent Consultation.
  • On the day and time of your booking you will need to click the Teams Meeting join link, or be available to receive a call from the Educational Psychologist.

    • What to expect?

  • After clicking the join link, you will join a Microsoft Teams meeting with one of the Educational Psychologists on our team.
  • Educational Psychologists may use solution-focussed approaches to help navigate challenging topics and questions. The Educational Psychologist may offer advice and guidance in relation to the particular issue, challenge or question. They will take notes to act as an official record of the conversation, to be stored online on our servers.