1. Dr Emma Gore Langton Educational Psychologist
Why be an EP?
Dr Emma Gore Langton
Educational Psychologist

2. My story

3. What people think we do Diagnose dyslexia ‘Statementing’
Gatekeeper of resources
IQ & cognitive assessment
SEN Tribunals
Exam concessions

4. What we actually do
Learning & wellbeing of CYP aged 0-25 Assessment Children Consultation for Families Intervention Schools Training Organizations Research

5. A problem analysis approach
Scientist practitioners:
Hypotheses
Test using observation, consultation & assessment
Identify dimensions of the problem
Integrate dimensions into conceptualisation
Identify strategies & intervention to address problem

6. An interactive factors approach
Environment
Biological
Cognitive
Affective
Behavioural

7. A week in the life
Drop in sessions – team meeting – statutory meeting re child – supervision for trainees – s and admin – telephone advice line – data analysis – organizing conference – group facilitation – assessment of child at specialist school – video interaction guidance with parent at home – problem solving consultation for young adult at college – training session for school staff – writing grant proposal for new project – primary school visit

8. Who do we work for? Local authorities...
Dramatically different context:
Third sector organizations
Schools themselves
Social enterprises
Private practice

9. How is it different from?..
Formulating problem and identifying needs vs. diagnosing disorders
Holistic: children’s learning, social, emotional, communication, sensory & medical needs
Psychologists, not ‘super teachers’
‘Not an expert’ approach

10. The best bits Community based – reaching the vulnerable
Never see the child as the problem
Systemic practice at its most effective
Autonomy- practical and professional
Variety of work

11. The hardest bits Reliant on others to get interventions implemented
How little time we spend with children!
Balancing demand for ‘report’ writing with client-facing time
Living in your car!.. and potential isolation

12. Getting there Get a good understanding of schools and education
Get good insight into the role (not just the training!)
Think about the kind of psychologist you are, and which training approaches are a good fit
Develop your interpersonal skills with adults

13. Pathways to training
Need GBC plus minimum 1 year FT experience in education, health, social care, youth justice, childcare or community setting
What you get from your experience is more important than the role itself...
Keep a record of all bits and pieces of experience- number of hours and details of role
Start practising reflection- how did you apply psychology in these positions?

14. References & Resources
Frederickson, Miller & Cline (2008). Educational Psychology- part of Topics in Applied Psychology series
EPNet- listserv for practising and trainee EPs. Good insight into day to day work of EPs
Educational Psychology thread on ClinPsy forum- lots of discussion about applying for training
UCL’s course website- very comprehensive info on all aspects of requirements and application process. Helpful reading list.

15. Other relevant reading
New SEN Code of Practice (Sept 2014)
Greg Brooks’ What works for literacy difficulties?
Inclusion Development Programme for autism spectrum conditions
Frameworks for Practice in Educational Psychology (Woolfson et al.)