Psychology
What is an Educational Psychologist?
Educational Psychologists sometimes work directly with young people in the age range 0 – 19 years on a wide variety of issues relating to their progress and development. However, much of our work is done with other people who know and work with children and young people.
Every school in Cumbria has an Educational Psychologist linked to it. We are all experienced teachers as well as being qualified psychologists. We have training in child development, learning, behaviour and how organisations work.
What do Educational Psychologists do?
Educational Psychologists work with others to help people solve problems and improve learning. We work with individual teachers and children. We also deliver training and work with schools and other settings on ideas to make children’s learning as successful as possible.
How does an Educational Psychologist usually get involved?
Educational Psychologists talk with school staff on their routine visits to schools. It isn’t always necessary for the Educational Psychologist to see your child for things to change. Teachers might want to talk about a class or a child’s situation without making a formal referral. We might observe children, either in class or in the playground, and look at their work. We discuss the teacher’s issues and work together on ideas for improvement.
Children might also be referred to us by their school, for example if they are having difficulties with:
- Feelings
- Learning
- Behaviour
- Relationships with others
Do I need to agree to my child being seen?
Educational Psychologists will not do individual work with your child without your permission. We will also seek the permission of your child and respect their wishes. You can ask to be present if your child is seen individually, though you might think this would be distracting for them.
What can I expect to happen and how can I be involved?
If your child is to be seen by an Educational Psychologist, your child’s teacher or key worker will already have spoken to you about your child’s progress. The Educational Psychologist gathers information about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. We also gather information about how children are taught and about their experiences in school. We might also talk with other professionals who know your child.
If your child is to see an Educational Psychologist it might be useful for an adult to talk to them about this. You can find helpful information about how to do this by following one of these links: Younger Children or Young People.
When a pupil is seen individually, you will receive a copy of any report the Educational Psychologist writes and you will have the opportunity to meet with them. We value the knowledge and understanding you have of your child.
Can I speak to an Educational Psychologist without going through school?
It is usually better for you to raise any concerns you might have about your child’s education with staff in school first. If there are particular reasons for you wanting to contact us separately, or if you want more information then please use the Contact Us menu link.