Educational psychologist

Also called EP, Ed psych

A psychologist who assesses learning and development and advises schools and councils. Central to EHC assessments.

What it is

An educational psychologist applies psychology to children's learning, development and behaviour. They assess, advise schools on strategies, and write statutory advice for EHC needs assessments.

They must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Where it applies

Children and young people 0 to 25. Most councils employ a team; many also trade services to schools.

How it works

Councils must seek psychological advice for every EHC needs assessment. There is a serious national shortage of EPs, and delays at this point are the most common reason the 20-week deadline is missed.

Schools also buy EP time directly, usually a small number of days a year, which is why "we have used our EP allocation" is a familiar answer.

Parents can commission an independent EP report privately. It is a real cost, commonly several hundred to over a thousand pounds, and it is frequently decisive at Tribunal.

What you can ask for

Ask when EP advice was requested and when it is expected. That date is usually the critical path in an assessment.

Ask for the full report, not a summary, and read the recommendations section against what ends up in Section F — recommendations are routinely watered down between the two.

If you commission an independent report, ask the council to consider it. It must.

Where to get help

The council's EP service. The Association of Educational Psychologists and the HCPC register for finding an independent EP.