Core statutory work

Educational Psychologists (EPs) are employed to deliver a statutory function on behalf of the Local Authority (LA), as outlined in The Children and Families Act, 2014.

EP contribution to the statutory assessment of a child/young person’s special educational needs

Statutory duties must be carried out within the statutory timescales and include:

• Providing a contribution to the statutory assessment process to identify a child or young person’s special educational needs (SEN) and the educational support that would best meet those needs. This incorporates all casework that contributes to the EP writing the Appendix K as part of the statutory assessment process and includes visit to preschool/school/college to observe the child or young person (CYP), consult with staff and parents/carers, carry out individual assessment, liaise with other professionals and write the report.
• Contributing, as negotiated, for pupils with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) through the statutory Annual Review process due to a change of need and/or SEND provision.
• Provision of specialist advice and support to professionals (such as school/college staff, Early Years professionals) on meeting the needs of children/young people with special educational needs.

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Casework with children/young people with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

• Local Authorities are required to monitor the progress of pupils with EHC plans and this takes place through the statutory Annual Review process. EPs will only be involved with pupils where there is a change of SENDs, or where schools/colleges feel they are unable to meet pupils’ needs as outlined in the EHC plan. This would also typically follow concerns being raised with the 0 to 25 SEND team prior or following an annual review.
• EP involvement can vary depending on the nature of the request and can include attendance at the Annual Review meeting, casework and written report completed in preparation for the Annual Review, or casework/written report completed following issues raised at the Annual Review.

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SENDIST tribunal work

This work may require:

• A review of evidence submitted as part of the SEND appeal process
• An updated EP assessment to include observation, direct work and consultation with parents/carers and staff.
• EP attendance at a tribunal hearing.