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Central – Southampton City Local Authority funded work

Alongside our successful traded model of service delivery, Southampton City Local Authority chooses to centrally fund an additional amount of educational psychology time to schools/colleges in order to deliver non-statutory functions. Settings can access a Link Educational Psychologist (EP), phone consultations and critical incident support free of charge.

  1. Central LA funded work
    1. Link EP role
    2. EP telephone consultations
    3. Critical incident response

Link EP for all Southampton schools/colleges

All Southampton schools/colleges are able to have a named Link EP to act as a point of contact for the setting and we aim to keep this as consistent as possible. The Link EP can be contacted by phone or email for general queries and advice. Link EPs will contact Southampton settings in the Autumn term to negotiate and plan their work.

Recent feedback we received about the role of the Link EP stated, ‘having a Link EP enables consistency and understanding of whole school approaches, themes, strengths and barriers’ (SENCo). Schools and colleges are often appreciative of the timely and supportive advice provided by Southampton Psychology Service Link EPs.

EP telephone consultations

The Educational Psychology Service will be offering bookable telephone consultations throughout the academic year. These discussions will be anonymous, with no parental consent required. Schools can book two telephone consultation sessions per term (each consultation 30 to 45 minutes).

Please contact Jackie Holgate (Team Standards Co-ordinator) by e-mail Jackie.holgate@southampton.gov.uk to request a telephone consultation. Due to the exceptional demand and popularity of the bookable telephone consultations settings are permitted to book two consultations per term.

Critical incident response

As part of the Local Authority response to a critical incident, EPs can provide short term support to school staff and pupils. Head teachers wishing to request Critical Incident support should call 02380833272 and say you are calling regarding critical incident support. You will be put directly in touch with a senior EP.

For more information see Critical Incident Guidance for Schools.