A presentation given at the Scottish Transitions Forum regarding the role of the educational psychologist within transitions in Scotland. More information can be found at www.scottishtransitions.org.uk

1. The Role of Educational
Psychology in Transitions
Elaine Beck Educational Psychologist
Falkirk Educational Psychology Service
Elaine.beck@falkirk.gov.uk
Charlotte Anderson Educational Psychologist (Probationer)
Stirling & Clackmannanshire Educational Psychology Service
Friday 21st June 2013 Scottish Transitions Forum ARC Scotland
ASPEP SDEP

2. Outline
• Setting the scene for Educational Psychology
• Scottish Legislative Framework
• Educational Psychologist involvement in
transitions
• Research thesis example
Friday 21st June 2013 Scottish Transitions Forum ARC Scotland
ASPEP SDEP

3. Setting the Scene for Educational
Psychology in Scotland
The distinctive contribution of educational
psychologists is to apply psychology skills and
knowledge to support the wellbeing and
achievement of all children and young
people. Wellbeing and achievement are
understood in the broadest sense, including
emotional and social development, life-skills
and formal educational success.
Friday 21st June 2013 Scottish Transitions Forum ARC Scotland
ASPEP SDEP

4. Legislative Framework
• Education Act (1980)
• Standards in Scottish
Schools etc Act (2000)
• Additional Support for
Learning Scotland Act
(ASL Act) (2004, 2009)
• Health & Care
Professions Council
(HCPC)
– Professional Registration
as an Educational
Psychologist
• Equality Act (2012)
• Data Protection (1980)
Friday 21st June 2013 Scottish Transitions Forum ARC Scotland
ASPEP SDEP

5. National Policy Guidance
• Getting it Right for Every
Child (GIRFEC)
– National Practice model
– Structure and frameworks
for multi-agency practice
– SHANNARI
– Wider assessment process
– Strengths based approach
– Preparation for life
– Curriculum for Excellence
• Children’s and Young
People’s Bill (2013)
• Beattie Report (1999)
• Code of Ethics and
Conduct BPS (2009)
• Standards of Proficiency
HCPC (2012)
• ASPECT Report:
Educational Psychology
Scotland Making a
difference (HMIE 2011)
Friday 21st June 2013 Scottish Transitions Forum ARC Scotland
ASPEP SDEP

6. Educational Psychologist Role in
Transitions
• Assessment
– Continuous process
– Gathering of information
– Interaction component
– Contextual information
– Analysis of information
– Building on strengths
– Reduction of barriers
– Build capacity
– Seek views
– Cycle of review
Friday 21st June 2013 Scottish Transitions Forum ARC Scotland
ASPEP SDEP

7. Educational Psychologist Role in
Transitions
Levels Consultation Assessment Intervention Training Research
Child &
Family
Targets for
Individual
Education
Plan
Individuals
strengths,
needs
Person
Centred
Planning
Advice to
family on
provisions
Video
Research
(VIG)
School/
Organisation
Contribution
to strategic
plans
Ratify
Schools SQA
Exam
Curricula
innovations
GIRFEC
Planning
Training
Action
Research
Local
Authority
ASN Policy
Post 16
planning
Teacher
Training
needs
Implement
transition
policy
SDS ASD
Training
Positive
Destination
data
National Children & YP
Bill
Dyslexia
Assessment
guidance for
colleges
Highland
Council
Moving On
Pack
Best
Practice
Events
National
Conference
Presentation
Friday 21st June 2013 Scottish Transitions Forum ARC Scotland
ASPEP SDEP