What does working with an educational psychologist involve?
Work with an EP involves:
- joint meetings with parents, EP and key staff
working with your child
- joint investigation of the concerns
- joint problem-solving
- joint planning and action
By sharing and discussing information, together we can
arrive at actions which make a difference. These are
usually learning objectives and strategies which are
included in the child's Individual Education Plan (IEP).
After an agreed time these interventions will be reviewed
together and further actions planned as necessary.
The work starts by getting a clear, agreed
understanding about the concern. The EP considers,
in partnership with others involved, all the factors
concerning a child's learning and development.
Wherever possible, the child or young person is also
involved in the process. Assessment may involve any
of the following:
- information and views from parents / carers
- listening to the child's views and involving them
in target setting and developing strategies.
- observation of the learning environment,
including the curriculum
- assessment of the child's responses to the
learning environment
- identifying the child's strengths and weaknesses,
which may include individual assessment
- analysing the evidence provided in the record
keeping, including the views of any involved
professionals, focusing on what has already been
tried to help the child, and what has been successful
- information from other agencies (e.g. Social
Services, Speech and Language Therapist, etc.)
Pupils with statements of special educational needs
continue to be monitored through their IEPs and annual
reviews. Concerns which require further consultation
with the EP can be identified at the review.