Educational Psychology Service

The Educational Psychology Service (EPS) uses psychological theory and evidence-based practice to promote the mental health and wellbeing, learning and development of children and young people.

Educational Psychologists (EPs) are applied psychologists with specialist knowledge, skills and expertise in the area of child and adolescent development, SEND, school systems and organisations.

(With thanks to East Renfrewshire Educational Psychology Service for giving us permission to share this video.)

EPs have a statutory role in the assessment and identification of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), contributing to Education, Health and Care Plans or EHCPs.  

The Educational Psychology Service is one of the few services that covers the 0-25 age range and works across education, home and community settings.  EPs work closely with parents/ carers and families and the service is strong on multi-agency working, working in collaboration with health, social care and other council services (e.g. Portage, Child Development Team, Healthy Young Minds, Stockport Family, Virtual School, Learning Support Service, Behaviour Support Service, Sensory Support Service, Inclusion Team, Autism Team and SEN).  

Psychological services are delivered to schools/ settings through a core (LA funded) and traded offer (school buyback).

Currently, referrals to the service are made via one of two routes:

1. Preschool children are usually referred by Portage, early years’ settings, Child Development Team/ Therapists.  EP involvement is prioritised for those children with severe and complex needs.
2. School-Aged Children are usually referred by schools/ settings and are prioritised for involvement as part of a graduated approach.

 EP assessment aims to be holistic, locating the child in context to understand the difficulties, challenges and barriers as well as assets and strengths of the child and the school and family system.  Intervention can take place at different levels (pupil, family, school system, community and Local Authority) according to psychological formulation and best evidence, to bring about positive change.

Stockport EPs are trained to use different therapeutic approaches (e.g. solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behaviour approaches, hypnosis, mindfulness and EMDR) with individuals and groups of children and young people.  The team also has a role in supporting staff wellbeing and promoting organisational resilience and effectiveness (e.g. Critical Incident response and bereavement support, professional supervision, training on mental health and wellbeing and assisting schools with auditing and reviewing systems, policies and processes).

For further information, please contact the service on 0161 474 3807 or email us directly.