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Parents and carers

Referrals to our service must be made via school. If you are considering our involvement with your child, please speak to your school's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities co-ordinator (SENDCo) to begin the referral process.

If your child’s school has highlighted a need for our involvement, you may wonder what it will be like. Your views matter to us, and we recommend that you attend meetings with us, the school, and/or other services when invited. We will always work around your child's needs and views, and we will contact you for further information about how your child is at home and any concerns you may have.

School have asked me to give permission for an Educational Psychologist (EP) to be involved with my child, what does this mean??

EPs don’t give medical diagnoses or prescribe medication. They provide advice to schools on how to support children’s learning. Your child’s school will seek your permission before requesting EP support.

How does an Educational Psychologist become involved?

If you have concerns about your child or young person, you may want to discuss these with the class teacher or key person and/or Special

Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). The SENCo may then speak with Knowsley Educational Psychology Service if they would like further support and advice.

If Educational Psychology involvement is appropriate, a member of staff will speak to you about how we might help your child or young person and you will be asked if you would like to go ahead with Educational Psychology Involvement. The school or setting will then arrange our visit.
Unfortunately, parents and carers cannot ask Knowsley Educational Psychology Service directly for their involvement. 
 

What might an Educational Psychologist do?

Educational Psychologists might work in many ways, depending on the needs of the child and the information that is necessary to collect.

Some examples may include: 

  • Meet with you as parent/carers, school staff and other key professionals to gain a deeper understanding of your child’s strengths and needs. 
  • Discuss support strategies with your child’s teacher.
  • Observe your child in the classroom or in the playground.
  • Work individually with your child to find out their strengths and areas for development.
     

What will happen on the day of an Educational Psychologist appointment?

The child or young person will come to school like normal. Depending on the activities taking place, they might be asked to work with the EP in a quiet room outside of the classroom, or the EP might observe your child in their lesson or on the playground. The EP will then introduce themselves and explain what they are going to do together, such as some of the activities listed above. 

Ordinarily, the EP will also ask to meet with you and key school staff to discuss any concerns and outline the EP's involvement. This is nothing to worry about; please just attend this meeting and share your views as a parent/carer.  
 

What should I tell my child if an Educational Psychologist is getting involved?

It is important to tailor your explanation to your child’s level of understanding. This video explains what an EP does for children and young people.

If they are worried, share what might be expected of them and tell them that many children see an EP.
 

What will be the outcome of Educational Psychologist involvement?

The outcomes depends on the type of EP involvement but a meeting may be organised for the EP to feedback key findings of their involvement to you and your child’s school.

The EP may make recommendations for the next steps in a written summary/report.
 

How will I be involved as a parent/carer?

An EP will always gain written consent from parents or carers and from young people over the age of 16 years before becoming involved.

EPs are committed to involving parents and carers and children and young people in all decision-making. We might meet with you to learn your views about your child’s interests, strengths, needs, and future goals and aspirations. You know your child best, so your views are invaluable.

Sometimes, a written record will be sent to you and the school or setting. 
 

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

Part of an Educational Psychologists role is to provide advice for an EHCP, if you would like to find out more information about the Education, Health and Care Plan process in Knowsley then please see here for further information.
 

Any questions?

If you still have questions after reading this page, please feel free to email us, and someone will respond within three working days.
 

“Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I know this is your job but it's evident that you care, and you go above and beyond and that means a lot to me.”
“You know you are the first person that has taken the time to really listen to me and ask how I feel. I felt really comfortable and able to tell you what I think. It has been lovely speaking with you. Thank you”
“It feels to be the first time that someone has captured and understood our beautiful little boy, so we can understand him”
“We feel the EP report truly captures a rounded current view of his behaviours, personality and areas where his learning would benefit from further support in identifying his Special Educational Needs.
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