EPS: Information for schools

Coventry Educational Psychology Service (EPS) works in partnership with schools, families and other professionals to promote the learning, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Educational Psychologists apply psychology to understand strengths, needs and barriers to learning. We work collaboratively to develop practical, evidence-informed approaches that support positive outcomes.

How we work

We work alongside school staff to:

• develop a shared understanding of strengths, needs and concerns
• explore factors affecting learning, wellbeing, attendance or behaviour
• identify achievable outcomes and practical strategies
• support the implementation and review of agreed actions
• build staff confidence and capacity to meet a range of needs

Our involvement may focus on individual children and young people, groups, staff teams or the whole school.

Our areas of work

Assessment and consultation – We work with schools, families and other professionals to understand a child or young person’s strengths, needs and support requirements. Assessment is tailored to the individual and may include discussion, observation and direct psychological assessment. Together, we use this understanding to agree practical next steps. We also contribute psychological advice to Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs).

Intervention – We help schools plan, deliver and review approaches that support learning, emotional wellbeing, attendance, relationships and inclusion. This may involve advising staff, supporting individual or group interventions, and evaluating how well support is working.

Training and professional development – We provide training, workshops and professional development to help staff apply psychology in their everyday practice. Training can be tailored to school priorities, including learning, emotional wellbeing, communication, behaviour, inclusion and transitions.

Research and whole-school development – We support schools to understand needs, develop provision and evaluate impact. This may include gathering pupil and staff views, reviewing interventions, and contributing to policies and school development. We also contribute to wider projects, pathway development and partnership work across Coventry.

Critical incident support – We provide prompt support to schools following critical incidents affecting pupils, staff and the wider school community. If your school has experienced a critical incident, please contact the Educational Psychology Service on 02476 788400 for support.

Accessing our service

Schools commission our work through service level agreements. To enquire about commissioning our service or purchasing additional involvement, please contact the service on 02476 788400 or EducationalPsychologyService@coventry.gov.uk