Step 1
All requests for work with a child must be discussed with the school psychologist - in person or by telephone. This ensures that the request is appropriate and that a clear focus for involvement is identified. The discussion also provides an opportunity to review the resources and strategies already employed. Ways of addressing concerns other than direct casework can also be (re)considered at this stage.
Step 2
If the discussion suggests that direct casework is appropriate, the following procedure should be followed:
- The reasons for suggesting direct involvement from the psychologist should be discussed with the parent(s)
- The parent(s) should be provided with a copy of the leaflet 'Psychological Service - Information for Parents (available from the school psychologist)
- If the parent(s) agree to consider involving the service, a referral meeting should be arranged
- This meeting should be attended by the child's parent(s), relevant school staff and the psychologist
- Consideration should be given to involving the child or young person at least in part of the process
Step 3
If individual casework is agreed, the school must complete the information form which will be supplied be the psychologist. This form ensures that the referral is formally documented and is an essential part of record keeping for the school and the psychological service. The form should be returned to the psychologist within two weeks.
Step 4
The psychologist will work in partnership with parent(s), school staff and others to achieve the objectives agreed. Progress towards these objectives will be recorded and further discussions held.
At an appropriate point, written information will be circulated to the parent and the school. This will always occur before the psychologist discharges the child or young person from the service. The written information may be in the form of a report but it may take another form, for example, the minute of a meeting.
Following discussion it may be agreed that the psychologist should work on a longer term basis. The timescale and the roles and responsibilities of all involved will be agreed in advance.
Consent
Most parents are happy to have additional support for their child, including support from the service. Where parents do not give their consent, the psychologist will not become involved directly with the child but may still be able to act as a consultant to staff.
For older children or young people, where they have the capacity to understand what is involved, any involvement with the psychologist must also be discussed with them. Where parents and the school agree that a referral is in a young person's interests but he or she disagrees the position is less clear. However, in practice, contact with a young person who is resolutely opposed to it is unlikely to be productive. Consultation with the psychologist will usually be the best way forward while a dialogue continues with the young person.
The education authority has a responsibility to make adequate and efficient provision for the additional support required by children and young people to whom it is responsible. If a psychologists involvement is essential to doing so efforts will always be made to ensure the cooperation of the very few reluctant parents.
Review meeting procedures
Psychologists find that increasing amounts of time are spent in attending reviews of various kinds. Often this can be an efficient way of offering a consultative contribution and an opportunity to be kept up to date. In other situations, the psychologist has little to contribute, most obviously where both the pupils progress and the action which needs to be planned are well understood and relatively straightforward. This can be the case for pupils with quite extensive additional needs. Given that demands on time for other activities are so significant, careful thought is needed about the psychologist's contribution and their attendance should not be assumed as a matter of routine. It is good practice to plan the review cycle at least termly and to discuss with the psychologist those reviews which he or she will attend.