Overview
Nottinghamshire Educational Psychology Service works together with key people to identify strengths and potential change in a situation, in order to make a positive difference to the educational experiences of the most vulnerable children and young people. This way of working is often referred to as a consultation model of service delivery.
Every school has a named link educational psychologist (EP) who is the initial point of contact. Special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) and EPs agree the priorities for the use of EP time. Often EP work is focused at an organisational level rather than directly with the individual child.
Contact
Address
Referral
Schools in Nottinghamshire are organised together into groups called ‘Families’, each Family consisting of a secondary school and its feeder primary schools. The EPS provides a consultation service to all Families of Schools. Please speak to your school for further advice.
In a small number of cases, the EPS responds to parental requests for EP involvement. In these cases the usual aim is to support parents in their engagement with key staff within the school or setting as the main provider of the child’s education.
Inclusion
Supporting
- Autism
- Deaf / hearing impairment
- Social, emotional and mental health needs
- Multi-Sensory impairment
- Learning difficulties
- Communication and interaction needs
- Physical disability
- Other
- Visual impairment
Local Offer
Priorities for EP work are determined in discussion with SENCOs at planning meetings (known as Springboard meetings), which are held 2 or 3 times each year. The EPS recognises the most vulnerable children and young people to include: Looked After Children; children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP); children where there are safeguarding issues; children who are outside education (or whose educational placement is at risk); children with severe and complex needs; and children who are educated outside of their local community.
EPS work is also often commissioned directly by the Local Authority. EPs are required to provide a written Professional Contribution when young people are undergoing assessment for a Statement of SEN or EHCP.
In a small number of cases, the EPS responds to parental requests for EP involvement. In these cases the usual aim is to support parents in their engagement with key staff within the school or setting as the main provider of the child’s education.