Gradual return to Educational Psychology early intervention work

The Educational Psychology (EP) service in Devon will gradually return to early intervention work with schools and settings from January 2024.

Due to the continued high demand for EP advice as part of education, health and care needs assessments (EHCNAs), this support will initially be offered to the 100 schools with the highest inclusion need.

They have looked at data around exclusions, attendance, Elective Home Education (EHE), part-time timetables and EHCNA requests, to identify these schools.

EP support will include a termly School Review Consultation (funded by DCC) to problem solve key priorities and challenges linked to SEND. Ideally, this will be a multiagency meeting with representatives from other SEN support and Inclusion services. The 100 schools will also be able to purchase EP support for Psychology Works consultation, supervision and training. This will be up to two days’ additional support for primary schools, and up to four days for secondary schools.

The service is aware that some schools and settings will be disappointed that they won’t be able to access EP support in the short term, but say that they are working hard to balance early intervention support alongside reducing waiting times for children and young people undergoing statutory assessment. Over time, EP support will be rolled out to more schools and settings.