Clear, practical EP advice to support provision and EHCP decision-making
Online Educational Psychology consultation, formulation and reports commissioned directly by schools and local authorities. Used across England as part of statutory EHCP needs assessments and reviews. This is not a formal EP assessment but a consultation-based advice service. Designed to support schools and Local Authorities in meeting EHCP demand by providing reliable additional EP advice capacity. No private referral route, no tribunal work, and no commissioned advocacy.
How online EP consultation works
A straightforward four-step process: initial enquiry, parental consent, information sharing and online consultation leading to a clear, EHCP-ready EP report.
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Step 1 – Initial enquiry & suitability check
A SENCO, inclusion lead or Local Authority officer makes an initial enquiry via the contact form to outline the nature of the concerns and check that online involvement is appropriate. At this stage, schools do not need to share any identifiable pupil information. -
Step 2 – Parental informed consent
Before any identifiable information is shared with the EP or any EP activity begins, the school obtains informed parental consent. Parents are made aware of the purpose of the involvement, the type of information to be shared, and how the EP report may be used within SEND and EHCP processes. -
Step 3 – Information, parent voice and pupil voice
After consent is confirmed, the school uploads reports, provision maps, behaviour and attendance information, work samples and relevant observations to a secure OneDrive link.
Parent voice is gathered through the consent form, and the EP may contact parents by phone if clarification is needed.
Pupil voice is collected where possible using age-appropriate methods. The EP may also speak with the pupil online where suitable, always with their TA or key adult present. For younger or non-verbal pupils, staff observation and insight are used instead. -
Step 4 – Online consultation & EP report
A structured online consultation is held with school staff (and parents where requested), drawing together history, context and current concerns. The EP formulates the pupil’s needs from this information and completes a written report with analysis, psychological formulation and detailed recommendations that can be used for EHCP paperwork and internal planning.
Online involvement is most appropriate where high-quality information can be provided by the school and where the pupil’s needs can be understood without extended face-to-face observation.
Where complexity, communication needs or safeguarding concerns mean remote work would not be robust or safe, this is discussed with the commissioning school and online EP involvement will not proceed.
Information is shared via individual Microsoft OneDrive upload links. Files can be added but not browsed, and all data is managed in line with HCPC expectations, GDPR and UK data protection law.
What I offer
The service provides clear, EHCP-ready EP advice that complements the information schools and Local Authorities already hold.
Online EP consultation
Structured consultation with SENCOs, staff and parents to clarify needs, context and key questions. The focus is on understanding what is happening for the pupil and what support is most likely to make a difference.
Psychological formulation
A formulation-based approach drawing on consultation, documentation, pupil views and observation. No cognitive or standardised tests are administered. Instead, existing evidence is brought together into a coherent explanation of need.
EHCP-ready reports
Clear EP reports that set out needs, impact on learning and participation, suggested outcomes and detailed provision. Written so that Section F can be populated with specific, practical recommendations.
Additional capacity for SEND teams
Flexible online EP capacity schools and LAs can commission when internal teams are under pressure or where a fresh, external view is helpful.
School-focused advice
Recommendations are framed for school settings and written so they can be implemented realistically.
Named limitations
The service does not provide tribunal reports, advocacy, diagnostic assessments or private parent commissions. Where online involvement is not appropriate, this is stated clearly so other routes can be pursued.
Who this service is for
EP for Schools is designed for schools and local authorities who need clear, timely Educational Psychology advice to support provision planning and EHCP decision-making.
Schools, academies & specialist settings
Primary, secondary and specialist settings can commission online EP involvement where a clear formulation and practical recommendations will help with EHCP requests, reviews or internal support planning.
The service is particularly helpful when settings need an additional EP view to sit alongside existing local authority provision, or where timescales and capacity make traditional assessment routes difficult.
Local authorities, trusts & SEND teams
Local Authority SEND teams, Multi-Academy Trusts and inclusion services can commission EP for Schools as additional EP capacity during periods of high demand, ensuring that EHCP decisions are supported by clear, formulation-based psychological advice.
Work is always commissioned through schools or LAs. It is not a direct route for parents, and the service does not provide tribunal advocacy, diagnostic assessments or private clinical reports.