Educational Psychology

Parents and Carers

Parents and carers concerned about their child’s educational progress can contact us to explore an individual educational psychology assessment. We will typically discuss parents’/carers’ concerns in an initial consultation to work out together what type of assessment or support may be most beneficial for their child. If independent EP involvement is not the most helpful option, we can signpost parents to other sources of support and organisations.

For more information see our Terms and Conditions .

Child and adult writing

Children and young people

Dr Carina Embeita, Educational Psychologist, or one of her colleagues, may be meeting with you soon. Educational Psychologists (‘EPs’) work primarily with children and young people who may need support with their learning for a number of reasons. School can be challenging, and sometimes children face difficulties that make learning and social interactions harder.

Here are some common challenges students experience:

Struggling with schoolwork or playtime

Finding it difficult to get along with friends or teachers

Feeling upset or frustrated about school

Just like many other children, you may be facing one or more of these challenges—or perhaps something completely different.

The EP will work with you and the important adults in your life to understand what is going on and to find ways to make school a more positive and supportive place for you. To find out more, click here .

Children huddled round camera

Schools

We work with both maintained and independent educational settings in Suffolk, offering friendly, collaborative, solution-oriented, and evidence-based educational psychology support. We work closely with children, parents, and staff to identify challenges, overcome barriers to learning, and nurture each student’s unique strengths. Our work aims to empower schools to create inclusive, supportive environments where all students can flourish.

Our services include individual in-person and remote student assessments, home- school consultation, individual and group supervision for staff (group work discussions), as well as NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) school and parent interventions. For more information contact us .

School blackboard and desk

Welcome to our FAQs section

We understand that seeking support for your child’s learning or development can feel overwhelming, and you may have many questions before taking the next step. This document is designed to offer clear, honest answers about our educational psychology services. Although this page was written with parents/carers in mind, we hope the information provided here will be useful for young people and professional referrers, too. If there's anything you're unsure about or can't find here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help.

Understanding Educational Psychology

What is an educational psychologist?

What is an educational psychologist?

An educational psychologist helps children and young people understand and overcome barriers to learning. This may include difficulties with attention, memory, literacy, numeracy, emotional wellbeing, or social interaction.

How is an educational psychologist different from a clinical psychologist?

How is an educational psychologist different from a clinical psychologist?

Educational psychologists typically focus on learning and development, while clinical psychologists typically work with mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Can you help with emotional or behavioural concerns?

Can you help with emotional or behavioural concerns?

Yes, if these concerns are impacting learning. We may explore emotional regulation, anxiety, or social difficulties as part of the assessment.

About Educational Psychology Assessments

Is there a minimum age for assessment?

Is there a minimum age for assessment?

Children must be at least 6 years old to be seen in clinic for an assessment. However, we can carry out observations and consultations in schools and pre-school settings for younger children.

Will my child receive a diagnosis?

Will my child receive a diagnosis?

A formal diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty may be provided if the assessment clearly supports it. However, diagnosis is not guaranteed and depends on the evidence gathered.

How long does the assessment take?

How long does the assessment take?

Typically around 2-3 hours, although this may vary depending on your child’s pace and needs.

What does the assessment involve?

What does the assessment involve?

It includes a review of background information, direct work with your child using either dynamic assessments or standardised tools, and a parent consultation. We also liaise with the school to gather information on your child’s learning and the learning context.

Where will the assessment take place?

Where will the assessment take place?

Assessments can take place at our base in Ipswich, Suffolk. We also offer assessments in North East London, and in some circumstances, an online assessment may be considered.

Educational Psychologists often work with children and young people in their school or education setting, as this provides valuable insight in a familiar environment. The most suitable option will be discussed with you on an individual basis.

Will my child be comfortable during the assessment?

Will my child be comfortable during the assessment?

We aim to create a calm, child-friendly environment. Assessments are paced according to your child’s needs, with breaks as required.

Can I be present during the assessment?

Can I be present during the assessment?

This depends on the child’s age and the nature of the assessment. We’ll discuss what’s most appropriate beforehand.

About the Report

Will schools accept the report?

Will schools accept the report?

Yes. Schools are required to consider reports from HCPC-registered psychologists, even if the assessment was privately arranged.

Can the report be used to support an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA)?

Can the report be used to support an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA)?

Yes, it can be submitted as part of your application. If the local authority agrees to proceed with an EHCNA, they are responsible for obtaining Psychological Advice from a psychologist—usually one they commission directly. This type of report has specific requirements under the SEND Code of Practice.

When will I receive the report?

When will I receive the report?

Reports are usually completed within 3 weeks following the assessment.

Can the report be shared with other professionals?

Can the report be shared with other professionals?

Yes, with your consent. We can share the report with relevant professionals such as teachers, SENCOs, or healthcare providers, as long as you give us written consent for this.

Communication and Collaboration

Is the school involved in the process?

Is the school involved in the process?

Yes. With your consent, we ask your child’s teacher or SENCo to complete a brief background questionnaire ahead of the appointment.

Will you speak with my child’s teacher?

Will you speak with my child’s teacher?

Yes. We’re happy to liaise with school staff before or after the assessment, where appropriate and with your permission.

Can I speak to the psychologist before booking?

Can I speak to the psychologist before booking?

Yes. We offer brief 20 minutes long pre-assessment consultations to help you decide if this service is right for your child.

Fees and Availability

What is the cost of an assessment?

What is the cost of an assessment?

The fee for assessments is £1000. This covers review of background information, communication with the school, a one-to-one assessment with your child, a parent consultation, and detailed report writing. For more information about our fees and T&Cs, please see our Terms and Conditions .

Do you offer payment plans?

Do you offer payment plans?

No. We don’t currently offer instalment plans.

Do you have a waiting list?

Do you have a waiting list?

No. We offer appointments based on current availability. Please get in touch to find out more.

Legal and Specialist Services

Do you provide expert witness or tribunal reports?

Do you provide expert witness or tribunal reports?

No. We do not offer services for SEND tribunals or legal proceedings, and do not prepare reports for use in appeals.

Can you recommend other professionals if needed?

Can you recommend other professionals if needed?

Yes, in most cases. If your child would benefit from input beyond our scope, we can often signpost you to trusted professionals such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or clinical psychologists; or other educational psychologists who may offer different services to ours.

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