What can Educational Psychology services do for us?

Schools frequently describe Educational Psychology as an ‘essential service’. This is because working with Educational Psychology Services for Schools can have three key transformative effects:

1.    Improving learning outcomes through evidence-informed interventions.

2.    Strengthen inclusive education.

3.    Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing.

But what is it about Educational Psychology that makes such a difference?

Educational Psychologists are the only support professionals that have explicit training to the Doctoral level as our initial professional qualification in all areas of the SEND Code of practice- Social, Emotional & Mental Health; Cognition & Learning; Speech, Language and Communication, and Physical, Sensory & Medical Needs.

Educational Psychologists also have training in applying the research evidence in complex, dynamic and changing systems- ensuring that step by step we support the school to increase its capacity to make a difference to students and families’ lives. Embedding Educational Psychologist practices in school is an investment in the future of the school and the pupils & families it serves.

1. Improving Learning Outcomes Through Evidence-Informed Interventions

Many popular learning practices do not live up to the hype. Ideas like Brain Gym and Learning Styles drew a lot of energy but did not deliver on impact. Educational Psychologists focus on supporting you to develop evidence-informed practice- and having a real impact on learning and wellbeing outcomes. Tools such as observation, criterion-based assessment, specialist tests and consultation all draw on robust research or theoretical frameworks- ensuring we can recommend actionable, targeted strategies which make a difference to your students. In essence, Educational Psychologists act as bridges between psychological research and classroom practice—ensuring that your schools’ practice focusing on ‘working on what works’.

Beyond individual assessment, we can support the implementation of whole school approaches, providing an analysis of what next step makes the most sense to focus on to develop your schools’, inclusion, mental health and wellbeing and neurodiversity. Our skills can strengthen school practices in evaluation science, ensuring that data is used effectively to refine your practice.

The government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of evidence-informed teaching- having someone you can call on to provide you with the information you need when you need it is as important as teachers generating their own research about their own practice.  Having Educational Psychology Services for Schools work with your staff will enable you to embed research-informed practice into your daily operations, with the aim of raising standards of teaching and learning for all pupils.

2. Strengthening Inclusive Education

Another key reason schools should employ Educational Psychologists is our central role in promoting inclusion and early intervention. UK schools are required under the Equality Act (2010) and the SEND Code of Practice (2015) to identify and support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). However, long waiting times for Local Authority Educational Psychology assessments can mean that you get too little support too late.

Educational Psychology involvement is often seen as an ‘essential service’ in school feedback. Engaging Educational Psychology Services for Schools EPs directly means we can help identify pupil’s needs much earlier and ensure that pupils receive the ‘right help at the right time’. Schools report that Budget spent on EP involvement sees a return on investment year-on-year when balanced against subsequent SEND funding. EPs also support teachers to develop inclusive practices—such as adaptive teaching, skills in responding to challenging behaviour and collaborative problem-solving—that benefit not only SEND pupils but all learners.

Educational Psychologists contribute to multi-agency working by liaising with Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Social Workers. Our holistic perspective ensures that educational, social, and emotional factors are considered together, leading to more comprehensive and effective support plans. Employing EPs in schools therefore promotes inclusion, reduces inequality, and enhances the capacity of staff to meet diverse learning needs.

3. Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing

Lastly, one of the most compelling reasons for employing Educational Psychologists is the growing concern about young people’s mental health. Anxiety, depression, and behavioural difficulties are increasingly common in school-aged populations post pandemic. While teachers and pastoral staff provide fantastic support, they often report feeling that they do not have the specialist training in psychological assessment and intervention that their children and families need.

Educational Psychologists are uniquely qualified to address these challenges. Our training equips us to understand the cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors that influence behaviour and mental health. When working directly in schools, we can provide timely support, behaviour management strategies, and staff training tailored to your settings needs.

At Educational Psychology Services for Schools we can help you develop whole-school approaches to wellbeing, embedding resilience-building, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices into everyday routines. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of crises and supports long-term positive mental health outcomes.