Educational Psychology Assessment

A guide for parents

On 14th November 2005 new legislation called the Education (Additional Support for Learning) Act came into effect.

It allows parents/carers to request specific types of assessments including an Educational Psychology Assessment. This leaflet explains what this means.

 

What are the features of an Educational Psychology Assessment?

Educational Psychologists are interested in how a child or young person gets on in different places and with different people. So information is gathered from those who have close contact with the child or young person.

They may also be involved in observation in the classroom or Early Years setting. They may undertake individual work with the child or young person using tests or questionnaires or other techniques.It may take account of the effects of events and circumstances in the school, home or local community.

How will I know what the Psychologist will do?

The psychologist will meet with the parents, school staff, other professional staff if involved and the child or young person to:

• Clarify and establish roles
• Gather information
• Analyse information
• Explore possible solutions to the difficulties
• Contribute to an intervention plan.

Will my views as a Parent/Carer always be sought?

• Parental agreement for the involvement of an educational psychologist will always be sought unless in exceptional circumstances.
• In some situations, a young person is able to give informed consent on his or her own behalf.
• Educational psychology assessment will always take account of the views of children and young people.
• It is important that parents/carers and the child or young person understand and agree to the aims of any assessment.

How long will the psychological assessment take?

This will depend on:

• The reason for the assessment
• Information already available
• The type of new information that needs to be gathered
• The number of people involved

It may be completed in one meeting. It may involve gathering more information from a range of people including the child over a period of time.

Will I receive a report?

Yes. The Educational psychologist will complete a report and copy it to the parents/carers, school staff and other relevant professionals as agreed with the parents. The results of the assessment will be presented so that they are clear and easily understood. Such information will always comply with the Data Protection legislation.
How do I make a request for an Educational Psychology Assessment?

The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 makes provision for parents/carers to request an educational psychology assessment for their child. This must be made in writing and sent to the Principal Educational Psychologist.

The request will be acknowledged and an appointment will be arranged for the psychologist, relevant professionals and the parents/carers with the child or young person to meet. This meeting is usually held in the school or Early Years Centre that the child or young person attends.

Your local Educational Psychology Service welcomes early discussion of any questions that you may have about Educational Psychology assessment.

This information has been adapted from the publication ‘Educational Psychology Assessment in Scotland’ April 2005 published by the Association of Principal Educational psychologists and the Scottish Division of Educational Psychology.