What does the Psychological Service do?
The Psychological Service provides a targeted and specialist service for children and young people, aged 0-25, who are experiencing barriers to their education and development.
These barriers include difficulties in one or more of the following areas:
- Cognition and learning
- Sensory and / or physical
- Communication and interaction
- Social, emotional and mental health
Help is given both through direct work with children and young people as well as indirectly by supporting their carers, families and key professionals from Education, Health, Social Care and the voluntary sector.
Who works in the Service?
Educational Psychologists (EPs) are all registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. They apply psychology to understand the ways children and young people think, feel, learn and behave. They work in educational settings and in the local community.
EPs use a variety of evidence-based approaches, including consultation, assessment and advice. They also devise and deliver bespoke training.
The Psychological Service also provides supervision for other professionals working with children and young people.
How do I access the service?
If you are under 25 years old and have concerns about your own education or development, or are a parent or carer with concerns, you are advised to discuss these first with your educational establishment’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), or named person with oversight of Special Educational Needs provision. If they feel that more support is needed, then they can make a referral for support through our Adults First Model. This can be requested via the Resource and Support Panel or through Multi-agency Education Health and Care Panel if you have an EHCP.
At the present time, we do not offer psychological assessments other than for the statutory assessment process. If needed, this should be sought through private EP services.
Statutory Function
The Psychological Service support Redcar and Cleveland Local Authority to discharge its statutory duties relating to children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
The Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) requires the inclusion of written Advice from an Educational Psychologist and further involvement may be required to ensure the Plan is updated.
Non-statutory Function
The Psychological Service also offers an Adult First model which works directly with parent/carer and school in a collaborative process led by one of senior Educational Psychologists.
How is the Psychological Service funded?
The Statutory work related to the EHCP is funded by the Local Authority.
Non-Statutory work is also funded by the local Authority.
Contact us
Contact Name: Rachel Leonard - Principal Educational Psychologist
Email: eps@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Tel: 01642 837700 or 01642 286644
Address: The Psychological Service, Inspire 2 Learn, Normanby Road, Middlesbrough, TS6 9AE