Educational Psychology

Educational Psychologists (EPs) undertake a range of work aimed at promoting inclusion, psychological well-being and raising standards for children and young people aged 0 to 25 years, across the full range of abilities. The Buckinghamshire Council Educational Psychology Team, which is part of the Integrated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (ISEND) Service, includes qualified Educational Psychologists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, Trainee Educational Psychologists on supervised placements, and graduate Assistant Educational Psychologists.

The Local Authority has a statutory role in relation to special educational needs and disabilities. The EP Team provides professional advice to the Local Authority under the Children and Families Act 2014 as part of the Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment process, as well as in relation to Annual Reviews and SEND Tribunal appeals on a case-by-case basis. EPs contribute to Local Authority decision-making panels and Independent Review Panels for excluded pupils. The team also provides support, advice and guidance to schools following ‘critical incidents’ such as sudden bereavements or traumatic events in the community.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the free offer to schools from the EP Team will once again extend beyond the statutory duties noted above. All Buckinghamshire schools (including specialist settings) have an allocated ‘Link EP’, who will be responsible for undertaking half-termly consultation sessions with the school SENCO (or other nominated member of staff). There will also be half-termly supervision sessions offered to Head Teachers of primary and special schools.

In addition, the EP Team will be delivering a range of work focused on prevention and early intervention. This includes continuing to supervise staff who work with CYP experiencing significant SEMH (including ELSAs and nurture practitioners), as well as developing new training for SEMH practitioners, parents and schools. There will also be expanded capacity for the ‘Request for EP Advice’ work, which allows schools, parents or professionals to request early intervention support from the EP Team. Requests are prioritised according to indicators of high need and vulnerability (e.g. Social Care involvement, Emotional Based School Avoidance), and may lead to signposting, consultations and/or direct involvement from members of the EP Team. Please see the Local Offer for the request form and more detail on the relevant processes.

Key Contacts
Buckinghamshire Educational Psychology Team

EPS@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
01296 383219

Tim Jones (Principal Educational Psychologist)
tim.jones@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Jenny Feeney (Senior Educational Psychologist, Aylesbury Vale Area Hub)
jenny.feeney@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Keith Willsher (Senior Educational Psychologist, Wycombe Area Hub)
keith.willsher@buckinghamshire.gov.uk