Educational psychology

Educational psychology is about how children and young people develop and learn. Every Local Authority has a team of educational psychologists (EPs). In Southwark, educational psychologists are part of an integrated child support service (ICSS) that includes educational welfare officers (EWOs) and early intervention officers (EIOs). We work with children, families and educational settings across Southwark.

Our background

Most of us have been teachers with a varied experience in a wide range of settings. We all have an honours degree or equivalent in psychology.  All EPs in Southwark undertake regular training including training on safeguarding issues.  We are committed to being a safe organisation and working with others to safeguard children and young people.

Our role

The main role of an educational psychologist is to promote children's progress and inclusion in education. We work at individual, group and systems levels of prevention.  All settings maintained by the Local Authority have a designated educational psychologist and can access a range of consultation services, assessment and intervention support as well as training. In most circumstances we provide psychological advice through consultation to a setting, but in some cases we will work directly with groups and individuals.

Educational psychologists work with parents/carers, children and teaching staff to explore issues and resolve problems that can affect learning and well-being.  Strategies discussed between the people involved in a child's education are developed using psychological skills.  Southwark EPs also provide additional support to a community in the event of a potentially traumatic event.