About this Support Category
Educational psychologists use psychological knowledge and assessment to understand how children and young people learn, develop and participate in education.
They may work directly with a child or young person, consult with parents and education professionals, observe them in an education setting and review information from schools or other specialists.
Educational psychology services may include:
- consultation with parents, carers, schools and other professionals
- observation in school, nursery, college or another education setting
- cognitive, developmental or learning assessments
- exploration of strengths, needs and barriers to learning
- advice about classroom strategies and educational provision
- written reports and professional recommendations
- support with school transitions, attendance or participation
- advice that may contribute to SEND support or an EHCP process
The purpose and scope of an educational psychology assessment can vary. Families should confirm what questions the psychologist will explore, which assessment methods will be used and what will be included in the final report.
Browse Main Support Areas
When Might an Educational Psychologist Help?
Families may consider consulting an educational psychologist when a child or young person is experiencing persistent difficulties with learning, development, emotional wellbeing or participation in education.
Educational psychology input may be useful where there are concerns about:
- literacy, numeracy or general learning progress
- attention, concentration or executive functioning
- memory, processing or problem-solving skills
- communication, interaction or social understanding
- emotional wellbeing, confidence or anxiety affecting education
- behaviour that may reflect unmet needs or barriers to learning
- school attendance, avoidance or difficulty accessing education
- transition between schools, phases of education or placements
- uncertainty about appropriate support or educational provision
- evidence needed to inform SEND planning or an EHCP process
A child does not always need a formal diagnosis before educational psychology advice is sought. The psychologist will usually consider the child’s individual circumstances, their education environment and information provided by the people who know them well.
What Does an Educational Psychology Assessment Involve?
The assessment process should be tailored to the questions being explored and the needs of the child or young person.
It may include:
- an initial discussion with parents or carers
- reviewing school reports, support plans and previous assessments
- consultation with teachers, SENCOs or other professionals
- observation of the child in an education setting
- direct work or discussion with the child or young person
- standardised or informal assessment activities
- consideration of the learning environment and support already provided
- a feedback meeting or written explanation of findings
- a report containing conclusions and practical recommendations
Not every assessment will involve the same tests or activities. A suitable assessment should be based on the referral questions rather than using a fixed assessment package for every child.
Educational Psychology Reports
A written report may describe the child or young person’s strengths, identified needs, barriers to learning and recommended support.
Depending on the purpose of the work, recommendations may relate to:
- teaching approaches and classroom strategies
- adjustments to the learning environment
- targeted interventions and specialist support
- communication and emotional regulation
- school attendance or reintegration
- transition planning
- outcomes and provision within an EHCP
- whether further specialist assessment may be appropriate
If a report is intended to support a statutory assessment, tribunal, school placement decision or another formal process, ask the psychologist whether the proposed work and report will be suitable for that purpose before booking.
Educational Psychology and EHCPs
Educational psychology advice can form part of the evidence used during SEND support, an Education, Health and Care needs assessment or an EHCP review.
An independent educational psychologist may help clarify a child or young person’s educational needs and make recommendations about outcomes, strategies or provision. However, commissioning a private report does not guarantee that a local authority will agree to assess, issue an EHCP or accept every recommendation.
Families seeking help with statutory processes, appeals or legal rights may also wish to explore:
Choosing an Educational Psychologist
Before booking, ask the provider about their experience, professional registration, assessment approach, fees and the intended use of the report.
Useful questions include:
- Are you registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as an educational psychologist?
- Do you have experience with needs similar to those being explored?
- What information will you need from the family and education setting?
- Will the assessment include school observation or consultation with teachers?
- Which assessment methods might be used, and why?
- Will we receive a written report and feedback meeting?
- How long will the assessment and reporting process take?
- Can the report be used for school planning, an EHCP process or tribunal evidence?
- Are meetings, travel, school liaison or follow-up work included in the fee?
- What are the cancellation and amendment arrangements?
Educational psychologist is a protected professional title in the UK. Practitioners using that title should be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Families can check the HCPC Register before commissioning a service. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Educational Psychology and Other Assessments
Educational psychology is related to, but distinct from, several other assessment and support services.
- Dyslexia Support may be appropriate where the main concern relates to literacy or a possible specific learning difficulty.
- Autism Assessments involve a diagnostic process undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals.
- ADHD Assessments involve clinical diagnostic assessment rather than educational psychology alone.
- Speech & Language Therapy may help where communication, language or interaction is the main concern.
- Occupational Therapy may be relevant where sensory, motor or functional needs affect participation.
- SEN Tutoring & Specialist Education provides direct teaching and learning support rather than professional psychological assessment.
Some children and young people may benefit from more than one type of professional input. A provider should explain the scope of their own role and recommend referral elsewhere where appropriate.
Private and Local Authority Educational Psychology
Educational psychologists may work for local authorities, schools, independent practices, charities or other organisations.
Local authority educational psychology services are often accessed through schools or statutory SEND processes. Families may choose an independent educational psychologist where they want private consultation, an additional assessment, a second opinion or evidence for a particular education process.
Find Support UK primarily lists independent providers that families or education settings can contact directly. Listings should clearly explain whether services are available to individual families, schools or both.
Provider Information and Listing Accuracy
Find Support UK aims to keep provider information clear, accurate and useful. Providers can claim or update an existing listing from the relevant listing page, and users can report information that appears inaccurate or out of date.