The educational psychology service uses psychology to improve wellbeing, support life-long learning and empower children and young people to achieve their potential. You can find out more information about the service, including how to contact us, by visiting our digital hub. You’ll also find useful resources and advice for school staff, parents, children and young people.
What is an educational psychologist?
Educational psychologists (EPs) work together with others to help children and young people to achieve their full potential. We support children and young people from the age of 0-19. We advise school staff and parents/carers on the needs of children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) and the educational support they require. In some circumstances, we provide direct support to individual children and young people.
We also carry out research and contribute to the professional development of teachers, social workers and support staff in order to improve outcomes for children and young people.
How can an educational psychologist help?
A key role for EPs is prevention and early intervention. We work to support schools to create positive, inclusive environments which foster and develop children’s and young people’s resilience and wellbeing to impact positively on mental health. Much of this work results in raising attainment and equity for all, not only children and young people with ASN.
We also have a duty to provide advice to the children’s reporter on the needs of vulnerable children and young people, including those who commit offences or are in need of care and protection.
How we work
Our Integrated Children’s and Family Services, which includes the Educational Psychology Service, work in three local area teams – Dee, Don, and West. Each area has a small group of EPs who cover several Associated School Groups.
| Area | Associated School Groups |
|---|---|
| Don |
Bridge of Don Dyce Old Machar St Machar |
| West |
Bucksburn Hazlehead Northfield |
| Dee |
Aberdeen Grammar School Cults Harlaw Lochside |
Schools in Aberdeen City can access early intervention consultations with an EP to get advice on individual children and class or whole school issues. The Educational Psychology Service can also offer other support, for example Person Centred Planning for transitions and supporting best practice in writing and using Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
We are currently delivering the following training to education establishments:
- Emotion coaching for all school staff.
- Ready Steady Two for staff working in nursery settings support children who are two years plus.
- Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA) training for Pupil Support Assistants.
Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC)
GIRFEC is the national approach in Scotland to improving outcomes and supporting the wellbeing of our children and young people, by offering the right help, at the right time, from the right people. It supports children and young people and their parents and carers to work in partnership with the services that can help them.
You can download some documents about GIRFEC in Aberdeen City below:
For more information, see the following links on the Scottish Government website:
- Getting It Right For Every Child leaflet
- Child's Plan leaflet
- Understanding Wellbeing leaflet
- The Wellbeing Wheel and wellbeing indicators
See the Aberdeen Getting it Right website for more information.
Contact details
Educational Psychology Service
Integrated Children’s and Family Services
2nd Floor North
Marischal College
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1AB
Locality Emails: EPSDon@aberdeencity.gov.uk EPSWest@aberdeencity.gov.uk EPSDee@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Twitter: @EduAberdeenEPS