Educational Psychologists are professionals who specialise in child development, learning needs and emotional wellbeing, using psychological theories to help recommend appropriate support.
They work with children and young people up to the age of 25 years, working closely with parent/carer(s), the young person and other professionals to better understand the needs of the young person.
This could involve visits at school and/or at home. Educational Psychologists in Wolverhampton work within the Inclusion Support Service alongside Trainee Educational Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists.
Sometimes you might hear Educational Psychologists referred to as ‘EPs’ or ‘Ed Psychs’.
Information about Educational Psychologists in Panjabi, Polish and Urdu.
Why does a child or young person see an Educational Psychologist?
An Educational Psychologist may become involved if a child/young person is experiencing difficulties in the following area(s):
- Learning new skills.
- Making progress with learning.
- Expressing themselves or understanding what has been said to them.
- Communicating and interacting with others.
- Physical and sensory needs which are affecting their engagement in school.
- Social and emotional development.
- Being independent.
What do Educational Psychologists do?
Educational Psychologists involvement with children and young people varies as each person is different and has different strengths and difficulties.
In some instances, an Educational Psychologist may only be involved for a short time to identify ways forward. However, some difficulties which require more in-depth work can take longer.
The referrer will always ask for the parent/carer(s) permission first and inform them about the work that will be done.
An Educational Psychologist may need to…..
- Observe the child/young person to find out more about how they learn.
- Spend time talking to the child/young person to explore their world and ensure that their views are represented.
- Complete work with the child/young person to identify strengths and needs.
- Use a variety of therapeutic approaches to help the child/young person to make positive changes.
- Help parent/carer(s) and the school to set up some activities to monitor the child/young person’s progress.
- Talk to with parent/carer(s), teachers and other professionals so that the right support is given by the right people at the right time.
- Offer training courses and support for teachers and other professionals.