Educational Psychology Service

The Educational Psychology Service is part of the Education Directorate, offering advice and support to all Fife schools. We specialise in Relationships and Behaviour, Learning and Teaching, and Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Educational Psychologists work at different levels:

• Children and families
• School/Establishment
• Local Authority
• National

What is an Educational Psychologist?

We work closely with parents, teachers and other professionals to help children succeed and make the most of their education. Every school in Fife has an Educational Psychologist who links regularly to the school.

When do we become involved?

A school can always contact their link Educational Psychologist for a ‘no name consultation’. This is a consultation around a case-specific issue, where no names are recorded and the pupil is not identified. This can be useful for general advice about additional support needs.

The contact will usually come from the school or nursery themselves. Sometimes, a parent/carer may want to contact us if they need further information or help.

What do we do?

We aim to identify and understand a child’s strengths and areas where they need additional help. This supports the process of identifying any additional support needs. This work may directly involve the child or young person. However, we can often support children without having any face-to-face involvement. Sometimes this is the most effective and best way to help.

The ways that an Educational Psychologist may gather assessment information include:

• Consultation with relevant school/nursery staff
• Observation of the child
• Discussion with families
• Discussion with other agencies
• Direct contact with the child or young person (if appropriate).

Educational Psychologists provide advice and support on strategies and supports for interventions within an educational setting. We also offer training and school development and are involved in research and evaluation work within schools and the Education and Children’s Services Directorate.

What happens to the information gathered?

We will open a file in the child’s name which will contain assessment and planning information. This will contribute to the school’s record keeping and support plans, such as:

• Child’s plans
• Co-ordinated support plan
• Statutory reports (e.g., Children’s Panel)

Getting It Right for Every Child

Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is a national approach aiming to improve outcomes for all children and young people.

Fife Education and Children’s Services Directorate have developed a range of GIRFEC related policies and guidance documents to support those working with children, young people and their families. For more information, visit girfec.fife.scot