When you refer you will be taken to their external referral form here.
Run by Havering Educational Psychology Service
Parent/carer Support Helpline for Havering families
Autumn 2023 – Summer 2024 (term-time only)
Who are you, and what do you do?
Educational Psychologists (EPs) are professionals who apply psychology (the study of thinking, learning and behaviour) to support the learning, development and wellbeing of children and young people. We work collaboratively with our local education settings (including pre-schools, schools and colleges) and families to support children and young people aged 0-25.
How does this helpline work?
This helpline provides a reflection space for parents/carers to explore and problem-solve issues about their child with an EP.
All helpline sessions are on a Thursday morning during term time. They need to be booked in advance, and a time slot will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Calls can last up to 40 minutes.
All discussions are confidential – you can share as much or as little as you like, none of which will be recorded or shared with anybody beyond the meeting unless we feel worried about your / your child’s safety. We will offer whatever support we can, and if we feel the discussion or issue goes beyond what the helpline can provide, we will try to signpost you to relevant colleagues or services.
Will the EP see my child after the call?
This is a one-off consultation service that does not lead to any follow-up involvement by the EP. It is not a referral route into our work within your child's educational settings, and the EP will not carry out any further assessment.
What can I talk to the EP about?
During the session, the EP will ask how you would like to use your time, listen to your concerns and discuss ideas with you to help you consider what to do next. Topics that you may wish to discuss could include (but are not limited to):
Supporting your child to maintain positive mental well-being.
Supporting your child’s engagement with learning at home.
Concerns about friendships, emotional needs, daily structure and routines.
Managing dysregulated behaviours.
Unpicking your child’s worries about going to school.
If your concerns are primarily about the support for your child’s needs in the context of their educational setting, then you may wish to first explore them with a key staff member in the setting, such as their Class Teacher, Form Tutor, or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), as they are best placed to speak with you about what can be put in place.
If you have a question about an Education Health Care (EHC) Needs Assessment, please refer to the guidance on the Havering Local Offer website, or alternatively, you may want to contact the Havering Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) to seek further information, confidential advice and support with thinking through your options.
How can I book a session?
Please fill in the booking form if you wish to request an EP Helpline session. You will be asked to leave your contact details, and a member of our team will confirm a specific time slot with you by email as soon as possible.