Educational Psychology Service
The EPS is funded by Liverpool Children's Services and is available to all maintained schools and nurseries and to early years non-maintained settings.
Each school/setting has a named EP. Time is allocated according to an agreed formula of special educational needs.
The EPS aims to assist schools, parents/carers and Liverpool Children's Services to identify, assess and advise on the needs of children and young people with special educational needs.
Referrals are from two main sources: from health services in the case of early years children and from schools/settings. Parents can approach schools/setting to request a referral to EPS but the SENCO or head teacher decides this on the basis of need and time available.
Some EPs work in the areas of early years (birth-5 years) for Neighbourhood Services where multi-agency (team) work is developing. Here, referrals can be requested by parents to the team and an EP may then be accessed as appropriate.
One EP works for Kensington Surestart and is involved with direct work with parents and children.
Usually a referred child or young person will be at Early Years Plus or School Action Plus on the SEN Code of Practice 2001. Before referral to an EP, those involved with the child will have shown that they have tried a number of approaches which have not been successful.
In every case, a child cannot be referred to an EP without parental permission, usually written permission.
Where are we based?
Educational Psychology Service
Brougham Terrace
West Derby Road
Liverpool
L6 1AE
Tel: 0151 225 6664
FAX: 0151 225 4911
Email: bernadette.power@liverpool.gov.uk