We are very pleased to announce our new Educational Psychology service. Our service offers children who have difficulties which affect development.  This might be might be related to specifically to learning skills, or in an area of emotional, social or behavioural development.

Educational Psychologist’s are trained to support schools, parents and children in all areas affecting learning and behaviour.  Their role involves working with schools and parents, gathering information regarding a child’s difficulties and helping to put into place appropriate strategies to support child’s development in that area.  Much assessment of children’s learning difficulties is now carried out at school and this information is used when discussing strategies.  It may also be useful, depending on the difficulty, to carry out an observation in school.  It is usually, only after a review of progress with these strategies in place that a decision is made as to whether further assessment by an Educational Psychologist would be beneficial to gain a bigger picture of the child’s strengths and weakness. During consultations, suggestions may be made to contact another appropriate specialist, such as Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. 

We are currently offering the service in a consultative way, involving both teachers and parents.  Our E.P’s like to be able to contact other professionals involved so that a programme of strategies is well informed and the support offered as a whole, is not disjointed.

If full assessment is required then that too can be arranged.

Time is being set aside at the clinic for consultations with parents and/or teachers.  These will be 1hour appointments.  During this time, concerns can be discussed, relevant information gathered and a course of action decided.  This course of action may be the putting into place of certain discussed strategies and techniques over a period of time.  A review appointment will always be offered to look at progress and the possible need to readjust the programme, or seek further assessment or observation.

Whilst working in schools a clinic like session can be offered with set appointments for teachers to speak with me regarding particular children (this can only be done with the permission of the child’s parents).  Schools have found this a very effective way to use the time given to them.