Educational psychologists (EPs) are trained applied psychologists who have a psychology degree and post graduate professional training in Educational Psychology at Masters or Doctorate level. They use their psychological knowledge and skills to promote the educational achievement of children and young people and improve their life chances.
We maintain close links with the London training courses and trainee EPs who are enrolled on approved training courses who work under the supervision of qualified EPs within the team.
We also employ Assistant EPs to work under supervision. We draw upon a small team of Associate EPs (via an agency) as and when required, to support immediate increased demands on the service.
Working with schools
Our model is aligned with the SEND Code of Practice in supporting a graduated approach to the assessment and intervention of children and young people with SEND. This focuses on the school’s own ‘assess-plan-do-review’ process. As part of this process, we ask schools to involve us in a targeted way to support the school to identify, assess and meet children’s needs.
A consultation led, problem solving process
Consultation is more than just a meeting. It’s a process where we work collaboratively with others to reach a shared understanding of the child or young person’s needs, and what can enable their progress.
The following is part of the consultation process:
- Careful listening
- Skilled questioning
- Facilitation of everyone’s views and ideas
- Joint problem solving
- Collaborative action planning.
During the consultation process, we may agree that there are unanswered questions about the child’s strengths and needs, or about the child’s views. We may then agree together that the EP will carry out a direct psychological assessment with the child or young person. The information gathered during these assessments feeds back into the consultation problem solving process.
All EPs and trainee EPs have undergone DBS and vetting checks, appropriate safeguarding training and are covered by public indemnity insurance provided by Enfield Council.