Wakefield Local Offer

Education - EPS - Educational Psychology Service

The Educational Psychology (EP) Team provides advice and support for a wide range of needs that may affect a child or young person’s experience in education.

This can include support with:

  • Cognition and learning
  • Communication and interaction
  • Social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH)
The team works with education settings to help improve progress, support wellbeing, and promote inclusion.

How the team supports

Educational Psychologists (EPs) work with schools and settings to identify and respond to needs using a graduated approach known as "assess, plan, do, review". 

They help to:
  • Understand individual needs
  • Develop effective support strategies
  • Review progress and outcomes

EPs also offer tailored training and may be involved in specific projects to support schools and wider services.

Statutory duties

EPs have an important role in statutory processes. This includes:

  • Providing psychological advice as part of an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA)
  • Contributing to annual reviews of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), especially when needs change or at key transition points
  • Offering professional advice as part of SEND Tribunal appeals

Critical Incident Support

In the event of a serious or unexpected incident affecting a school community, the EP team can offer advice and support.

Support is tailored to the needs of the setting and may include:

  • Guidance on supporting pupils and staff
  • Advice on communication with parents, carers, and the wider community
  • Help to identify and plan support for those most affected

The approach is flexible and aims to provide effective support while minimising disruption to the setting.

Accessing the service

Educational settings in Wakefield can choose to purchase support from the Educational Psychology Service through a Service Level Agreement.

All work is agreed in partnership with the setting and planned through meetings to ensure it meets identified needs.

Telephone: 01924 307403 
Email: eps@wakefield.gov.uk

Last updated: 27/07/2026