Community Educational Psychology Service

Summary of Services

Consultation

Psychologists consult at a number of different levels in organisations, depending on who brings the concern.

What is consultation?

It is a planned and systematic discussion/conversation with others.

Consultation suggests a partnership which:

Is a joint problem-solving approach
Has a focus on work-related problems and solutions
Involves those most concerned with the problem

How does consultation work?

Psychologists contribute to consultation by using experience and knowledge of child development, problem-solving, the psychology of teaching and learning and organisational processes.

Psychologists work with others who are most likely to have concerns about children's difficulties and to be motivated to do something about those concerns e.g. parents, Head Teachers and teachers.

Consultation is sometimes used to help establish a 'plan, do, and review' cycle.

Planning for change - will involve discussing expected outcomes for improvements.

Do - will involve agreements about what should happen next

Review - an opportunity to evaluate progress and what has been learned.

What are the benefits of the consultation approach?

Maximum efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility in the use of time
Fostering of partnerships with parents and carers
Identification of possibilities for improvement and help to plan, implement and review it
It is an important form of staff development

Key references

Monsen, J., Graham, B., Frederickson, N and Cameron, R.J. (1998)

Problem Analysis and Professional Training in Educational Psychology, An Accountable model of practice. Educational Psychology in Practice, Volume 13, Number 4, 1998

Woolfson, L., Whaling, R., Stewart, A and Monsen, J. (2003)

Any Integrated Framework to Guide Educational Psychologist Practice. Educational Psychology in Practice, Volume 19, Number 4, 2003

Early consultation supports the early intervention process. The Service is committed to this priority with a view to reducing the need for statutory assessments for special educational needs and the National Assessment Framework.

Many cases do not go beyond consultation and consultation in itself is often an intervention.

Consultation|

Assessment and Intervention|

Training and Development|

Research and Projects|

Critical Incident Response|

Contact

Brian Davis

Group Manager - Community Educational Psychology Service

Seabrook House

22 Shipton Close

Dagenham

RM8 3QR

Tel: 020 8270 6900

Fax: 020 8270 6935

Email: brian.davis@lbbd.gov.uk|