Information for parents

Welcome to the Barking and Dagenham Educational Psychology Service (EPS). This page explains what educational psychologists do and how they can support your child and family.

What we do

We are a team of trained Educational Psychologists (EPs) who work with Barking and Dagenham schools, nurseries, and families to help children and young people (from 0 to 25 years old). We use what we know about how young people think and learn to support them to do their best.

We help children make progress in school and life. We listen to the child’s views and work with parents and school staff.

  • If someone is worried about a child’s progress, the school’s SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) may arrange a meeting with the EP and parents. This is called a Consultation Meeting.
  • EPs also offer other support for schools by giving advice and training on ways to support children’s learning and wellbeing.
EP - Information for parents

About Educational Psychologists (EPs)

Educational Psychologists are trained to understand how children learn, behave, feel, and build relationships. 

The work that EPs do is based on the research evidence of what works for children, parents, families and schools.

Registered professionals

Educational Psychologists (EPs) are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as ‘practitioner psychologists’ and have enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certification to work with children and young people.

Educational Psychologists in the school system

The EP Service operates in a ‘traded services’ context. This means that schools commission or pay for the EP Service.

  • Each school (or setting) that uses the service has its own EP who works with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) or the Inclusion Manager.
  • The SENCo or Inclusion Manager has the responsibility for coordinating services and meeting the range of special educational needs in the school.
  • The EP and the SENCo or Inclusion Manager meet regularly to consider the needs of children in the school.

Other type of support for schools

If you're interested what other type of help and support EPs provide for schools, you can visit our Information for schools page.

Consultation and Assessment

When someone is worried about a child/young person’s progress, a SENCO (SEN Coordinator) will organise a ‘Consultation Meeting’. This meeting brings together parents, school staff, and the EP to help everyone understand what’s going on and what might help the child.

During the meeting, the EP will:

  • ask questions about your child’s development
  • listen to your views
  • talk about ideas that could help

Assessing children/young people

The views and opinions of children/young people are also important part of any assessment work.

  • Before or after the meeting the EP might also watch your child in class or work with them to understand their strengths and needs.
  • This may involve assessment of their educational, social, emotional and behavioural progress, as well as their thinking skills.
  • They may talk to other professionals as well, like speech therapists or doctors.

Consultation Record

Afterwards, the EP will write a short summary of what was discussed, this is the Consultation Record. They will share this with the parent/s and the school. 

Sometimes, the EP writes a report for an Education Health and Care (EHC) Assessment.

Contacting the Educational Psychologists

Support in school

If you’re worried about your child’s progress, speak to the SENCo or Inclusion Manager at their school. They are the ones who can help you and can involve the EP.

Support for home

If you want to talk to an EP about things at home, you can book a one-time consultation.

Learn more about this on our Educational Psychology Parent/Carer Support Helpline page.