FAQs for Parents and Carers

Resources For Parents and Carers on Educational Psychology and Statutory Assessments

We’ve put these resources together to answer some of the questions you may have about your child’s assessment or the role of educational psychology.

Waiting for support for your child can feel confusing and, at times, overwhelming. You are not expected to know the system, and these answers are here to make it a little easier to find your way around.

Psychology Direct works with schools, multi-academy trusts and local authorities rather than directly with families, so we are not able to accept private referrals. What we can do is explain how the process works, what to expect, and who to talk to next.

What does the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process look like?

Referral

  • The school or setting make a request for Educational Psychology involvement, with your knowledge
  • Our EP involvement will be part of the Education, Health and Care
    Needs assessment process

Consent​

You will receive a consent form to complete. We will only work with your child once you have given informed consent. This means you understand:

  • Why EP involvement has been requested
  • What will happen
  • How information will be used

Assessment

An EP may do the following:

  • Observations
  • Talk or play with your child
  • Look at schoolwork
  • Problem-solve together with staff
  • Use assessment tools where helpful
  • Gather the views of you, your child and school staff

Report

The EP will write a report following their involvement which

will be shared with you and the school/setting. This may include:

  • A summary of their assessment
  • A Psychological Formulation (pulling together what’s going on for your child, why and how we can best support them)
  • A description of your child’s strengths and areas of need
  • Outcomes for your child
  • Provision and strategies
  •  
Understanding PANS and PANDAS: A Guide for Educational Psychologists

What is an Educational Psychologist?

Educational Psychologists (EPs) work with children and young people aged 0-25 to help them learn, develop, and thrive in their education.

They focus on understanding how a child thinks, learns, communicates and manages emotions. They work with people who are important to the child or young person, including families, carers and schools, to make a plan for support.

FAQs for Parents and Carers