Educational Psychology Service
''What Is an Educational Psychologist?
Educational Psychologists (EPs) use psychology to understand children and young people's learning, development, and wellbeing. We work directly with families, schools, and other professionals to identify strengths, understand needs, and plan effective support.
Hillingdon Educational Psychology Service (EPS)
Hillingdon EPS is a team of HCPC‑registered psychologists providing high‑quality, evidence‑informed support across the borough. Our team includes highly experienced EPs as well as Trainee EPs. Trainee EPs work under full supervision and bring most current research and practice to the service.
We work closely with partners such as the Virtual School, School Improvement, SAS, Portage, Attendance, Health Colleagues (CAMHS and CITS) and Social Care to support vulnerable and looked‑after children.
How We Work
Children may be seen by an EP through two routes:
1. EHC Needs Assessments
EPs complete the statutory psychological advice as part of the EHC Needs Assessment and work closely with families and professionals to understand a child's and young people's profile.
2. Schools and Settings (Traded Offer)
Schools can commission additional EP involvement. This work supports change at several levels:
- Strategic/Systemic: whole‑school development and policy guidance
- Group/Class: consultation, staff training, targeted interventions
- Individual: assessment, therapeutic support, consultation with families and staff
Our Core Services
Hillingdon EPS offers:
- Individual assessments of learning, development, and wellbeing
- Therapeutic interventions
- Consultation with parents/carers and staff
- Strategic SEND support and policy development
- Bespoke CPD and whole‑school training
- Advice for EHC Needs Assessments
We also lead key programmes:
MeLSA - developing independent learning skills
- Helps children understand how they learn, not just what they learn.
- Builds confidence, problem‑solving and independence in the classroom.
Delivered by specially trained staff who support children in 1:1 or in small groups.
ELSA - emotional literacy and wellbeing support
- Helps children manage their emotions, worries, friendships, and confidence.
- Provides a safe, trusted space for children to talk and build coping skills.
- Led by school staff trained and supervised by Educational Psychologists.
EBSNA - early identification and support for emotionally based school non‑attendance
- Supports children whose anxiety or emotional distress makes attending school difficult.
- Helps schools spot early signs and work with families to understand what's going on.
- Offers practical, gentle strategies to help children feel safe and able to return to learning.
Why Hillingdon EPS?
- A developing, comprehensive psychology service with strong quality assurance
- Established, trusted relationships with schools
- Close multiagency links across education, health, and social care
- Highly skilled, HCPC‑registered EPs
Commitment to developing future professionals and research‑informed practice.''
Accessing EPS Support
For EHC Needs Assessments: If a statutory request for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment is agreed, an EP will be allocated to complete the assessment and liaise with key professionals.
For Schools and Settings: Outside of statutory involvement, schools and settings can access EPS support through the Traded Offer. Our One Page EPS Traded Outline provides full details on packages and how to commission support.
Contact Us
If you have a question or would like to get in contact with us at:
