C3b1 The job of the educational psychologist

Question 1

An educational psychologist

Answer 1

Works with children and young people in schools to help resolve problems of classroom behaviour or to help with developmental issues, such as dyslexia or autism. They can work with a wide range of issues and include children, school staff and parents as their client

Question 2

Statutory (legal) duty of an educational psychologist

Answer 2

The Education Act to Local Authorities sets out a Code of practice. It requires children with special educational needs to achieve their full potential, and that those with severe/ complex needs must be assessed so that those needs are met. The Ed psych carries out the assessment. Children/ their parents also needs to be involved in any decision-making, as well as health/ agency workers

Question 3

Consultation of an educational psychologist

Answer 3

Ed psychs often attached to several school, and visit them each term. They talk to teachers and other staff (e.g the special needs coordinator), parents and children, giving support and advice. They must weigh the concerns of all groups/ people in their work, but put the child’s needs first.

Question 4

Individual assessments of an educational psychologist

Answer 4

They carry out assessments and testing, such as IQ tests or standardized tests. Children tested for literacy and numeracy, physical abilities and language. They might test for dyslexia, for example. They make observations and talk to other professionals, gathering both qualitative and quantitative data from as many sources as possible. They ask lots of indirect open questions (e.g asking child how they feel when they wake up rather than why they are causing trouble). Can uncover more meaningful info

Question 5

Planning interventions as an educational psychologist

Answer 5

After gathering info, the ed psych plans an intervention/ plans way to solve problem. They often work with child and teacher, either one or both of these people may need to change in some way. Ed psych usually doesn’t put plan in action themselves; they leave that to those involved, and check on progress. Interventions can also involved advice on spotting problems early, communication, and praise good behavior.

Question 6

Training of ed psych

Answer 6

Planned interventions need training so that the teacher, child/ others involved understand what is required/ and why

Question 7

Research of ed psych

Answer 7

They might choose to carry out research/ projects, e.g helping students with social skills when moving to new school

Question 8

Multi-agency working

Answer 8

When many different agencies (health workers, social workers, educational psychologists etc) work together to support child.family. Makes sure no case “falls between” agencies and is missed

Question 9

System-level work

Answer 9

An ed psych might advise on systems in schools, e.g bullying policies or policies with regard to support for additional needs

Question 10

Ed psychs and keeping up to date

Answer 10

Ed psychs need to be kept up-to-date by knowing about new studies and new ways of working

Question 11

Multi-professional approach to diagnosis and ed psychs

Answer 11

Although psychiatrists formally diagnose disorders, e,g ADHD, ed psychs may be involved in an early diagnosis, e.g preparing report or referring child to psychiatrist