The SEND Inclusion and Psychology Team has been created in order to support schools, academies and education settings to be equally and effectively inclusive, accessing the provision and support they need to meet children and young peoples needs without needing resource to the statutory system.
There is a SEND Inclusion and Psychology team in each of the four quadrants: Mid, South, North and West. Each team is made up of:
- SEND Inclusion and Psychology Lead
- Senior Inclusion Partner
- Inclusion Partners
- Senior Educational Psychologists
- Educational Psychologists
- Assistant Educational Psychologists
Educational Psychologists
Essex Educational Psychologists (EPs) provide independent professional advice to families, schools and other education settings. An EP applies psychology (the study of thinking, learning, emotions and behaviour) to support the learning, development and wellbeing of children and young people up to 25 years old.
Take a look at the The Role of the Educational Psychologist for further information and have a look at the EPS Vision, Mission, Core Values and Design Principles.
All Essex Local Authority schools (including academies) have a named link EP who provides EP services free at the point of delivery. All work is negotiated in partnership with school staff e.g. Headteacher and/or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). EPs can offer support to schools when a critical incident occurs. For information on when EPs may be able to support you and your school, take a look at the EP Support page.
Parents, SENCOs and EPs have created a leaflet on Key messages for schools about working with parents and carers and the EPS
The EP Service also have a Parent Helpline available and details on how to access this can be found on the Essex Local Offer.
Inclusion Partners
Inclusion Partners (IPs) will work in close partnership with colleagues in SEND Services, and in particular, Educational Psychologists, to support early years settings, schools and colleges to develop their inclusive practice and deliver improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND. IPs are involved in delivering the Essex SEND Training Offer at a central, quadrant, cluster and individual school/early years setting model.
IPs all have extensive experience in working to support children and young people with SEND from birth to 25 years, and their families. Their knowledge, skills and experience come from a range of backgrounds and draw upon evidence-based practice to inform their support to early years settings, schools, colleges and families.