The Educational Psychology Service offers preventative support for children in Early Years (0-5 years old).
We provide support using a range of different approaches. We work together with Early Years colleagues to help children have a positive start to their education.
Early Years support from the Educational Psychology Service includes the following services.
MAISEY is a multi-agency meeting that supports Early Years children who might access from multiple services. A representative from the Educational Psychology Team chairs MAISEY meetings. They work collaboratively with colleagues to agree next steps for children who have been referred to MAISEY.
From September 2023, the Educational Psychology Service is providing a new offer of support for Early Years children. Analysis of Additional Needs Tool (AANT) is an online service so it is a rapid and effective approach. The AANT provides a detailed, personalised action plan. We offer the Early Years setting an opportunity to talk about a child with an experienced EP. We will work with you to plan the next steps.
During an AANT, we will complete a form together with the child's parents or carers. Then a representative from the setting will attend a virtual meeting with the EP. A report will then be written that can be shared with the educational setting and the child's family.
For more information, see our AANT webpage.
During an AANT meeting, For some children it may be agreed that further EP involvement is needed. If that is the case, it will be written into the AANT report. A date will be arranged for the Educational Psychologist to meet the child.
During in-depth case work, the psychologist may use play-based or observational approaches to interact with the child. They may also request an in-person meeting with the parents and a member of staff from the setting. They will then share perspectives and agree steps forward.
We provide supervision to staff at
If a setting wishes to take part in a group supervision session, they must first have a discussion with their Area Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). The SENCO will then extend an invitation to a virtual supervision session.
These provide an opportunity for settings to work with Early Years colleagues and the EP to
We also provide supervision for reception teachers. This is to help:
Currently, settings are invited to attend these sessions if they have a high number of SEN pupils joining reception in September.
Reception teachers are also invited to join virtual group supervision sessions. There is one in the summer term, to help plan for their new intake. A second one is held in the autumn term. This is to help problem solve any challenges that may have arisen.
The aim of this support is to bridge the transition from Early Years into Primary School. If you feel your school would benefit from this support, please do get in touch with our team via email.