What sort of work does an Educational Psychologist do?

They work together with the staff of schools and other organisations, to develop and improve the effectiveness of work on behalf of children and young people.

They work directly with children and young people. This work usually focuses on assessment. Its aim is to provide information and advice that will help those who have responsibility for the child’s care and education help the child make progress.

They may be involved in discussions (consultation) about individual children without necessarily meeting them. The aim is to provide advice to those who have day to day responsibility for meeting the child’s educational needs because it is these adults who are in the best position to help.

Each school has its own ‘link’ psychologist. The total amount of psychologist time available is shared among all schools. Decisions about how the available time is best used are made by discussion between the school and Educational Psychologist.