Educational Psychology Service (EPS)


Helping Schools Create Inclusive, Psychologically Informed Environments Where Children and Young People Thrive

Our Educational Psychology Service works in partnership with schools, settings, families and other professionals to understand needs, strengthen practice and improve outcomes for children and young people.

We bring a unique perspective grounded in applied psychology, consultation and evidence-informed practice. We work collaboratively to develop shared understanding, build capacity and create sustainable change at pupil, staff and whole-school level.


Our Approach

Everything we do is guided by four core principles:

Inclusion

We support schools to create environments where all pupils can thrive, guided by the principles of Belonging, Autonomy, Safety and Equity (BASE).

Collaboration

We work alongside school staff, families and partner services to develop shared understanding and identify effective ways forward.

Applied Psychology

Our practice is informed by psychological theory, research evidence and relational approaches that translate into practical support.

Impact

We agree clear outcomes from the outset and evaluate progress using meaningful measures at pupil, staff and organisational levels.


How We Work

All Educational Psychology involvement follows a structured process designed to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

  1. Define the concern – Clarifying the key issue with those involved.
  2. Explore underlying factors – Understanding why difficulties may be occurring using psychological frameworks and research.
  3. Agree meaningful outcomes – Identifying what successful change will look like.
  4. Plan actions together – Co-constructing practical, evidence-informed strategies.
  5. Review and adapt – Evaluating impact and refining support as needed.

This process helps develop solutions that are realistic, collaborative and sustainable.


Our Services

Capacity Building and Systemic Work

Supporting whole-school improvement through consultation, organisational psychology and systems thinking.

Ideal for: Senior leaders, SENCos and schools seeking to strengthen inclusion, behaviour, attendance or wider strategic priorities.

We offer:

  • Strategic consultation with leadership teams
  • Whole-school development and organisational change projects
  • Staff problem-solving and consultation groups
  • Reflective supervision and practice groups
  • Consultation clinics and staff drop-in sessions
  • Research, evaluation and psychological project work

Impact:

  • Greater consistency in practice
  • Stronger systems and processes
  • Improved staff confidence and wellbeing
  • More effective use of resources

Training and Professional Learning

Helping staff develop knowledge, confidence and skills through psychologically informed professional development.

Ideal for: Schools seeking to build staff expertise and strengthen consistent practice across teams.

We offer:

  • Bespoke training and Continuing Professional Development programmes
  • Parent and carer workshops
  • Classroom-based coaching and support
  • Working on What Works approaches
  • Training on attachment, trauma, anxiety, behaviour, executive functioning, emotional regulation and motivation

Our training is:

  • Tailored to your context and priorities
  • Evidence informed and practical
  • Interactive and reflective
  • Focused on long-term implementation and impact

Impact:

  • Improved classroom practice
  • Greater staff confidence
  • Stronger relationships
  • Enhanced inclusion and pupil engagement

Targeted Pupil Support

Applying psychological assessment, formulation and intervention to support children and young people with additional or complex needs.

Ideal for: Pupils requiring deeper understanding, targeted assessment or tailored intervention.

We offer:

  • Consultation with staff and families
  • Observation and assessment
  • Psychological formulation
  • Psychological assessment
  • Therapeutic intervention for individuals and groups
  • Video Interaction Guidance (VIG)
  • Early years and transition support
  • Recommendations and action planning

Impact:

  • Clearer understanding of needs
  • More targeted support
  • Improved emotional wellbeing and engagement
  • Better access to learning
  • Stronger home-school collaboration

Measuring Impact

We are committed to ensuring our work leads to meaningful change.

Together with schools, we identify success criteria at the outset and review progress over time.

Pupil Outcomes

Examples include:

  • Improved attendance
  • Increased engagement in learning
  • Improved emotional wellbeing and regulation
  • Reduced behavioural incidents
  • Greater participation and sense of belonging

Staff Outcomes

Examples include:

  • Increased confidence
  • Greater consistency of practice
  • Improved adult-pupil interactions
  • Stronger use of evidence-informed approaches

Whole-School Outcomes

Examples include:

  • Stronger inclusive culture
  • Improved systems and processes
  • Better implementation of SEND provision
  • Greater alignment between policy and practice

Why Work With Us?

Our Educational Psychologists combine psychological expertise with a collaborative, solution-focused approach. We help schools understand challenges at a deeper level, develop practical responses and build sustainable capacity for long-term improvement.

Whether your priority is whole-school development, staff training or targeted pupil support, we can work alongside you to achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes.

Get in Touch

Contact your link Educational Psychologist

Hastings 01424 726100

Eastbourne 01323 463636

Lewes 01273 336720

Any queries or concerns can be sent to eps@eastsussex.gov.uk.


Parent carers

Parent and carers should speak with their child’s teacher or the school SENCO to organise support for their child’s needs.