How does an Educational Psychologist work within a school?
The Educational Psychology Service offers a consultation approach to schools which means that each school receives a set amount of Educational Psychologist time. The Educational Psychologist and Head teacher consult as to how the time is to be used. A consultation approach means that the Educational Psychologist and school staff work together on an equal basis to define problems and find solutions. After the Educational Psychologist has finished working with a child he/she produces a handwritten/typed visit summary sheet to confirm discussions and inform future action for the child, without the delay inherent in producing formal reports. It is then the school’s responsibility to co-ordinate informing parents and other professionals and to instigate any action necessary following the Educational Psychologist’s involvement.
