The Educational Psychology Service works through a consultation model of service delivery.  Consultation is used to negotiate and agree our work with schools and children and young people.

At any point during our consultation process, the Educational Psychology Service might offer training for staff and/or support to develop classroom practice, suggest group work and signpost to resources or agencies that can help.  The Educational Psychology Service is committed to developing universal practice to support all children and young people and building professional capacity in those who work most closely with children and young people. To work in this way and at the school/class level we do not always need a Request for Involvement.

Our process is described below:

Informal Consultation –  A professional dialogue to support reflective practice and identify strategies and ideas that the member of staff or the school can use to bring about positive change for an individual, class/group or school. Often this will be sufficient to resolve concerns and identify next steps for support and no further action or involvement will be required.

Formal Consultation – Sometimes it will be helpful to seek formal involvement with the Educational Psychologist.  A member of the schools senior leadership team should arrange a time for a formal consultation to take place.  Those phoning for consultation should always discuss their intention to do so with parents/carers and children and young people themselves.  This may or may not lead to a Request for Involvement.

Request for Involvement – If formal involvement with a child or young person is agreed,  a Request for Involvement should be completed.

For more information on the role of Educational Psychologists please visit Enquire.