EPS: Information for young people and parents - Print version

A guide for young people

Educational Psychologists (EPs) work with lots of different people, including children from their early years up to the age of 25, parents, school staff and other professionals. When working with young people like yourself, EPs will listen to what you have to say. We may ask you how you are feeling about home and school, and how things could be better for you. We may also work with your parents, teachers and other adults to share ideas on learning, using your strengths, coping with difficulties and keeping safe.

Who will know?

Some teaching staff and your parents will know that you are meeting with an EP. If you are over 16 then your parents do not have to know, but it is better to involve them. It is your choice if you tell your friends. We will ask you if it is okay to share information. If you have been harmed or are at risk, we must pass this on and we will explain how this will be done.

Where will we meet?

We will normally meet with you at school but sometimes we may meet with you and your parents at home.

What will we do?

• When you meet with the EP, we may wish to do some of the following things:
• listen and talk with you
• observe your learning in the classroom or playground
• talk with your parents and teachers
• look at some of your school work
• ask you to complete some activities or tests

What will happen next?

It depends. Sometimes we meet once, sometimes we meet several times. After our meeting you, and your parents and teachers, will have a plan. You might decide to do something differently. Your teachers might want to work with you in a different way. The plan will support you with any changes you want to make. You might not need to meet us again but we will hear from others about how you are getting on.

Where can I get further information?

If you would like further information about seeing an Educational Psychologist please speak to an adult you trust at home or school. Alternatively, the Educational Psychologist will be happy to answer any questions that you might have when you meet them.

If you simply wish to know more about the Educational Psychology Service then please contact Coventry Educational Psychology Service: 024 7678 8400.

Download the leaflet - Educational Psychology Service A guide for young people [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/11127/a_guide_for_young_people].

A guide for parents

Who are we?

Educational Psychologists (EPs) have training and postgraduate qualifications relating to education and child development. EPs have a diverse range of experience working with children and young people across a number of settings. The Coventry Educational Psychology Service promotes the learning, achievement and emotional wellbeing of all children and young people in the city as well as empowering parents and carers, and professionals in supporting children's special educational needs. EPs are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council [https://www.hcpc-uk.org/].

What do we do?

We work with children, parents and carers, school staff and others to promote the development and learning of children aged up to 25 years. We work directly with some children, individually or in groups, who have difficulties in such areas as:

• general development and learning (e.g. reading and spelling)
• communication and language
• personal and emotional development
• behaviour
• relationships
• physical skills
• hearing or vision
• other medical problems which affect learning

How do we do it?

It may be that the school's Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) will suggest that the Educational Psychology Service is contacted to help support your child's needs. School staff will always seek your agreement before contacting us. If a more direct involvement is needed the EP will try to gain a better understanding of your child's strengths and difficulties through a consultation model of working, which may include:

• meeting you and staff
• observing in the classroom or playground
• talking to your child
• looking at school work
• using activities or tests
• developing and reviewing a support plan alongside a written consultation record for all involved.

If you wish to be present at any point during the consultation process then the EP will happily discuss this with you. Sometimes it can be reassuring to an anxious or very young child. In other circumstances it may be off-putting. You are most likely to know how your child will respond.

Who do we work with?

Children and Young People from Birth to 25 years

EPs work in a number of settings including early years provision, primary and secondary mainstream schools, specialist educational provision and within the home.

Parents and Carers

EPs offer parents and carers suggestions about how they can help your child's development and learning. We then explore how your child responds to strategies that have been tried.

Early Years and School Staff

EPs offer support to staff to help children who may be experiencing difficulties in school or early years settings.

Other Professionals

EPs may also work with other professionals from within the children's and youth services as well as from health and voluntary organisations.

Download the leaflet - Educational Psychology Service - a guide for parents [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/10941/educational_psychology_service_-_a_guide_for_parents]