Dumfries and Galloway Educational Psychology Service (DGEPS) is a statutory educational service that works with children and young people who are normally resident in, or looked after by, Dumfries and Galloway Council. Educational Psychologists apply psychological knowledge, research and evidence about learning, development, relationships and wellbeing to improve children’s and young people’s educational experiences and outcomes.
Educational Psychology & Child Protection / Safeguarding
Educational Psychology contributes to safeguarding and child protection by helping education staff and partner agencies develop a better understanding of children’s strengths, needs and experiences, and by supporting approaches that promote safety, wellbeing, inclusion and positive relationships.
Educational Psychologists work as part of the wider network of professionals supporting children and young people. This can include working with schools, parents and carers, social work, health professionals and other members of the Team Around the Child.
Contributions can include:
- providing consultation and psychological advice where there are concerns about a child’s learning, development, behaviour, wellbeing or experience of education;
- contributing to Child’s Plan meetings and Looked After Child reviews where appropriate;
- helping professionals understand the impact that trauma, adversity, attachment, relationships and significant life experiences may have on learning and behaviour;
- supporting education staff to develop safe, nurturing and inclusive environments;
- advising on strategies and interventions to reduce barriers to learning and improve participation and engagement;
- contributing to assessment and planning where there are complex or additional support needs;
- supporting effective transitions, including transitions into school, between stages of education and into post-school provision;
- providing professional learning, training and coaching to increase the confidence and skills of education staff;
- supporting schools and services following significant or critical incidents; and
- working collaboratively with other agencies to promote positive outcomes for children and young people.
Educational Psychology practice places importance on understanding the whole child and the whole situation, including the child’s views, relationships, family and community context and the environment in which learning takes place.
Trauma, relationships and wellbeing
Children who have experienced adversity, trauma, loss, abuse or other significant difficulties may experience barriers to learning, relationships, attendance, participation and wellbeing.
Educational Psychologists can support schools and other professionals to consider how a child’s experiences may be influencing their presentation and to identify approaches that promote safety, predictability, connection and participation. This may include professional learning and coaching around trauma-informed practice, relationships, nurture and emotional wellbeing.
The service also works with schools and Council teams to build capacity, helping adults around children develop the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively rather than relying solely on individual specialist intervention.
Working alongside Child Protection services
Educational Psychology is not a statutory child protection investigation service and does not replace the responsibilities of education, social work, police or health services in relation to child protection.
Where there are concerns that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, professionals must follow Dumfries and Galloway’s child protection procedures and raise concerns through the appropriate safeguarding and child protection pathways.
Where appropriate, an Educational Psychologist may contribute psychological advice to the wider professional network once concerns have been identified. This contribution can help the Team Around the Child understand the child’s presentation, identify protective factors and strengths, consider the impact of experiences on learning and wellbeing, and plan appropriate educational support.
The child’s voice
Children and young people are central to Educational Psychology practice. The service aims to understand and incorporate their views, strengths, experiences and aspirations when considering assessment, intervention and support.
This is particularly important where children may have experienced adversity or where their behaviour or presentation may be communicating an unmet need. Educational Psychology seeks to support adults to look beyond behaviour and consider what the child may be communicating through their behaviour, relationships, attendance, engagement or learning.
Early intervention and building capacity
Educational Psychology has an important role in early intervention. Schools can access consultation and advice to consider concerns and identify appropriate strategies before difficulties escalate. Where a longer-term Educational Psychology role is required, a formal Request for Assistance may be considered following consultation and in line with service criteria.
The service also provides training, professional development, research and improvement support to schools and Council teams. This helps strengthen the wider system’s ability to recognise and respond to children’s needs and promote safe, inclusive and supportive educational environments.
Working with partners
Effective safeguarding depends on professionals working together. Educational Psychologists work collaboratively with education staff, families, social workers, health professionals and other agencies to develop shared understanding and coordinated approaches.
This partnership approach supports the principles of Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) by focusing on the individual child, their wellbeing, strengths, rights and needs, while ensuring that appropriate action is taken where there are concerns about safety or wellbeing.
Accessing Educational Psychology
If a school or professional has concerns about a child’s learning, development, wellbeing or experience of education, the first step will normally be consultation with the child’s school. Education staff can seek advice from Educational Psychology about appropriate strategies and next steps.
Educational Psychology also provides consultation opportunities for parents, carers and professionals. Where further involvement is required, the service will consider whether the criteria for a formal Request for Assistance are met.
Educational Psychology Service
DG Educational Psychology Service – September 2025
Telephone: 01387 260466
Email: SupportingLearners@dumgal.gov.uk
For immediate concerns about a child or young person’s safety, follow Dumfries and Galloway’s Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures rather than waiting for Educational Psychology involvement.
Educational Psychology Cluster Allocations from September 2026
Schools continue to be provided with a named link Educational Psychologist(EP) they can contact as detailed below. Virtual consultations can be booked with any EP. Casework will be allocated to the link EP if they have availability, but involvement may be allocated to the area team, or wider service if required.
AA EP Allocations for 2026-2027.docx (Requires GLOW Login)
