Educational Psychology Educational psychology is about how children and young people develop and learn. We work with parents and teaching staff to help resolve problems that can interfere with learning. Educational psychologists have a first degree in psychology or equivalent, and specialist training in educational psychology.
Our role
The main role of an educational psychologist is to promote children's progress and inclusion in mainstream education, using our knowledge and experience from research.
We work with all schools, early years centres and pre-school voluntary organisations, which we call 'educational settings'. In most circumstance we provide general advice to a setting, but in some cases we will work with individual pupils or teachers where this is required.
When we get involved
When a child does not respond well to initial attempts by their school to meet their special educational needs, we may get involved. You may hear this referred to as 'school action plus' which basically means the school’s special educational needs coordinator requests extra help from us or another agency such as a speech and language therapist or health or social care professional.
We work initially with those planning and putting into action the child’s individual education plan. If this requires working individually with the child, we will agree the reason for this and the way we get involved with all concerned. Find out more about consenting to our involvement.
Educational psychology for pre-school children
Every school or children's centre in Southwark has an allocated psychologist. Also, all children under the age of five in private and voluntary educatinal settings can access psychological services via the early intervention team:
Early intervention team
Tel: 020 7525 2887
family.info@southwark.gov.uk
Children's services
John Smith House
144-152 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JL
Educational psychologist for children 'looked after'
One of our specialist senior educational psychologists manages a team specifically focused on the educational needs of children who are looked after (sometimes known as 'in the care' of a council). This can include children who are in foster care.
A case study involving a 'looked after' child
Yvonne is having difficulties in her foster home for a few months. She has missed a lot of her year six at school. The school and her foster mother are concerned about her behaviour and learning, and how this will affect her in secondary school.
The EP discusses with the school how they could best support Yvonne's emotional and behavioural needs, as well as establishing her learning needs. The EP also attends meetings with all professionals involved both at the school and at social services, sharing relevant information regarding the levels of support Yvonne will require at secondary school. Information is also shared with colleagues at her new school, and with her carers.
Advice and support for groups and individuals
We may be asked to make an official (statutory) assessment for an individual pupil, depending on the outcome of a consultation. Visit our consultation and assessments pages for details of what this means.
A summary of what we can offer
Contact
Educational psychology service
Tel: 020 7525 2723
family.info@southwark.gov.uk
Children’s services
John Smith House
144-152 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JL |