We work
together with parents, schools and other professionals to improve
learning opportunities for children and young people, particularly
those with special educational needs. We have qualified and worked
as teachers and are graduate psychologists with additional
professional training in child and educational psychology.
Each of our Educational Psychologist’s cover an area of
Peterborough and are responsible for providing a service for the
children living there.
We have knowledge and experience of:
- How children and young people learn and what they may be
expected to learn
- Different schools and how they work to support children and
young people with special educational needs
- A wide range of special educational needs
- How national laws affect provision and services for children
and young people with special educational needs.
We work with children and young people in the 0-19 age range who
may have difficulties in one or more areas, such as:
- General development and learning
- Communication and language (e.g. speaking, listening and
writing)
- Physical skills
- Relationships
- Hearing or vision
- Medical problems which affect learning.
We work alongside parents and schools to resolve difficulties or
provide support.
We visit all schools regularly and we work in a variety of ways.
In school we usually spend time with teachers discussing their
concerns about children and young people. There is a national Code
of Practice which gives guidance to schools on their work with
children and young people who have special educational needs. Your
child’s school has more information about this. Having followed
these guidelines, school staff may discuss your child with us, but
we would only see your child if you had given your permission. You
have the right to refuse permission, and then we would not see your
child. You may want to discuss this with us.
When we write a report about your child, we will only copy it to
people who need the information in order to help him/her. We will
always give you a copy of any such report and you may, of course,
copy it to others if you wish.
If your child has not yet started school, we find out
information from other people who already know your child, such as
early year’s teachers, nursery staff, health visitors or speech
therapists.
If we become involved with your child, we may:
- Look at the teachers’ records of their assessments and the work
that they are doing with your child
- Talk and listen to you, your child and others who know your
child well
- Observe your child in familiar surroundings, such as the
classroom or playground. We may see pre-school children at
home
- Work with your child.
We use information to understand what your child needs and to
find ways of tackling the difficulties.
When necessary we will use an interpreter, e.g. when English is
not the family’s first language.
We may meet jointly with you and with school staff to plan and
monitor your child’s programme.
For some children with special educational needs, we may be
involved when there is a change of school.
We are always involved in the detailed assessment of the
educational needs of children and young people with longer term
difficulties. For a small number of children and young people this
may include providing advice for statutory assessment which may
then lead to a Statement of special educational needs.
We link up with other people who may be involved with children
and young people, such as support teachers, attendance welfare
officers, Connexions officers, medical staff and social
workers.
We run training courses and projects, and produce materials for
parents, teachers or others who work with children and young
people. We give advice to the Local Authority on child development
and learning.
Where can you find us?
The way to get in touch with us is through your child’s school
or nursery. If your child has not yet started school, people who
are involved like your child’s early year’s teacher, doctor or
health visitor, may contact us.
If you are not sure how to get help you can telephone the
consultation line which is available Tuesday mornings (term time
only) 8.30am to 12.30pm – 01733 863690.