Educational Psychologists work with children and young people up to 19 years old who may need some help with:
- learning and developmental skills
- thinking, remembering and problem solving
- relationships and getting on with other people
- understanding feelings and controlling behaviour
- language and communication skills
- visual, hearing or physical needs.
Our Educational Psychology and Learning Support Service works with parents, carers, schools, nurseries and a range of professionals from Children’s Services.
We aim to promote effective learning, development and well being for all children and young people in Lewisham.
How does an Educational Psychologist become involved in a child's education?
Concerns raised by school staff about a child or young person’s learning development or well being, are discussed with a school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator.
The Special Educational Needs Coordinator, parents, carers, key staff and other professionals may then consult with an Educational Psychologist, usually in a school or other educational setting.
We will only become involved if a parent's or carer's permission has been given in writing.
What happens next?
After consultation in school an Educational Psychologist may become further involved in the following ways:
- observing a child or young person in class or a playground
- work with a child or young person to carry out an educational assessment, or to explore their perspective on their learning and life in school
- work with key staff, parents and carers to develop, implement and evaluate interventions
- contribute to Individual Education Plans or Pastoral Support Programmes
- carry out individual and small group work with children and young people.
When an Educational Psychologist works with a child or young person, he or she is trying to identify the next steps for learning and approaches that will be helpful.
The aim is always to get a clearer picture of how to help the child or young person to make progress.