Psychological Services (Educational Psychologists - EPs)
Northumberland's Educational Psychologists work with educational settings, children and families. They support children and young people who are experiencing difficulties or delays in their development: their communication, interaction, cognition, learning, social and emotional needs and mental health, for example.
For queries / information email: psychservices@northumberland.gov.uk
Website: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Children/Needs/Psychological-Services.aspx
Parents with concerns about their child should discuss these with the school first. This will usually be with the school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
If the school feels that a request for support from Psychological Services would help, the SENCo - with parental consent - will contact the school’s link Educational Psychologist to plan the work.
Northumberland Virtual School
Promotes and supports the education of looked after and previously looked after children through effective collaboration with schools, social care, and other agencies/professionals. Supporting pupil emotional wellbeing using various interventions and therapies including Drawing & Talking Therapy, Lego Therapy, Thrive, Eye Movement Desensitising and Reprocessing (EMDR), and the delivery of whole school training by the Virtual School EPs. Virtual School support is provided to all looked after children including those awaiting a mental health and capacity assessment, inpatient support and when planning for discharge and reintegration into education.
- ESLAC.info@northumberland.gov.uk
- https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Children/Looked-after/Virtual.aspx
The Education Welfare Service fulfils the statutory duties of the local authority for safeguarding children in relation to school attendance, elective home education and children missing education. The team offers advice and signposting to professionals, parents and carers.
The Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) Health Needs team provides small group and 1:1 education for those children unable to attend school full time because of a diagnosed health condition. Referrals must be made by the school with supporting evidence from the child's consultant.
Children and Young People's Service (CYPS)
The Children and Young People’s Service provides a single service to all children and young people aged 0-18 years living in Northumberland who present with mental health difficulties. This includes children and young people who may have learning difficulties and those living in a range of difficult and challenging circumstances.
Referrals are accepted from any professional working with a child, young person or their family and self-referrals can also be made. Referrals are accepted in written form by letter. Referrals can also be made on the telephone by calling 01670 502 700 or freephone 0800 652 2862.
