As a parent/carer, you can request the involvement of an Educational Psychologist in supporting your child. All schools in Highland have a liaison Educational Psychologist and it is generally helpful for parents to have a conversation with your child’s Named Person initially, to discuss the involvement of an Educational Psychologist. Educational Psychologists are specialists working in the area of child development and education, with a focus on learners from birth to 25 years. For those young people post school, the Educational Psychologist’s role is generally not case work focused but more advisory or strategic in nature. Requests for support in relation to a child or young person should be made via a Child’s Plan and ideally after discussion with the Educational Psychologists.

Concerns to consider and mention in the request:
What is the presenting issue(s) and how is this impacting on the child/young person and others
What behaviours have been observed and/or are causing concern
What assessments have been undertaken – how the child is developing in relation to their peers (academic assessments, profiles of emotional development or observation etc.). Information on the learning context and engagement of the child/young person.
Other important information to consider and include:
What outcome is expected/required? Who else is involved with the child/young person? What has already been tried in terms of support/intervention

You can contact us by phone 01463 644 400 or by email highlandcouncilpsychologicalservice

To provide some more information about our role, we have made these films;

  • How can I access an Educational Psychologist?
  • Consultation with an Educational Psychologist

Where you have no Educational Psychologist involvement, but you have a query about your child’s development, you can access an Educational Psychologist through the ‘Just ask’ enquiry line, every Tuesday and Thursday between 1pm and 4pm. The enquiry line is for all Highland children, young people, parents, carers and those who work with them. Call us on 0300 303 1365. Please note, this is not a route to requesting involvement, for this you should contact the liaison Educational Psychologist for your area. If you are unsure about who this is, please speak with your child’s Named Person. Alternatively, you can contact us by phone or email. If you have involvement of an Educational Psychologist, please direct your query to them.