Acronyms, MPs, Risky Behaviour & Participation 30th September 2017 Dear All SEND = Special Educational Needs and/or Disability OK, we probably all know the acronym SEND, it just kind of feels like ‘acronym week’ on the SEND Bake Off…
EPS = Educational Psychology Services Last week saw the first – of four - Educational Psychology Service (EPS) focus group...
How did it go? Ten parents attended. The first part of the focus group had parents talking amongst themselves of their experiences of any educational psychology services they had experienced (recent, distant, private or local authority). This allowed the EP to hear firsthand what worked for parents, and what didn’t – from a wider perspective than local services. The focus group then became more formal with a discussion on what parents would like from the EPS. Parents questioned what they could do when a school says No to EP assessment or when should or could a parent push for an EP assessment (when they are worried about their child). Like many things SEND Family Voices do – the parents who came were clear that whilst it is good to talk – evidencing change and improvements as a result of such focus groups is vital.
Why should you attend one of the other sessions? Because it is an opportunity to influence a service our children need. Most of the readers of this newsletter will have a child, or children with a Statement or EHC Plan. As we said last week… an assessment from an Educational Psychologist (EP) is one of the most important evidence gathered to support an EHC Plan. The EP’s assessment and written report describes a child’s strengths and needs; which is crucial in understanding the interventions and adjustments required within an educational setting. Achieving for Children's Educational Psychology Service (AfC EPS) are front line workers with our children, young people and the schools. They are highly trained professionals and they want to understand how parents experience EPS, and then improve their services where needed.
The next Focus Groups… Please let us know if you plan to come along (it helps us with our planning). Tuesday 3rd October - 7pm to 9pm at York House, Richmond Rd, TW1 3AA Friday 6th October - 10.30am to 12noon at MeToo&Co, The CrossWay Centre, Twickenham, TW1 2PD *