Working with individuals
I work creatively and flexibly in people’s homes, in nurseries, schools or colleges to ensure that everyone feels relaxed and able to create positive change
What happens first?
When you email me, I arrange a time to talk (free of charge for approximately 20 minutes). If you decide to commission my services I will send you:
A request form to be signed and completed (this provides me with important background information)
A Terms and Conditions agreement to sign that includes agreed to fees
We will then agree a date for me to visit
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• Consultation meetings/discussions with others
• Observations and play-based assessments
• Developmental checklists
• Formal cognitive assessments or dynamic assessments
• Assessments of attainment, knowledge and skills in reading, spelling and writing and/or in mathematical concepts and number sense
• Questionnaires and profiles, for example, on executive function
• Scales used with children or young people to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviour, for example, with self-image or feelings of anxiety, anger or low mood
• Therapeutic interventions such as Narrative Therapy or Solution Focused Brief Therapy approaches
• From reports etc. shared by parents from schools and/or other outside agency professionals
Reports
Reports vary in length depending on their purpose, the intended audience, complexity and depth.
They are sent within four weeks of my last visit or meeting.
Individual casework that takes 1 day (as a minimum) generally includes:
Observations and/or assessments to explore strengths and any issues in, for example, learning or social and emotional needs
Meeting with key staff (where possible a joint meeting with parents and key staff)
Reference to reports from school and other professionals
Scoring and analysis of information
A psychology-informed report including an overview of key issues and a plan of action with recommended strategies to support positive change
*Where casework is more complex and requires more time there will be additional charges. For more information please visit the fees page.
Medical diagnoses
Educational Psychologists do not give medical diagnoses for any of the following:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactive/ Disorder (ADHD)
Psychological assessments and reports, however, can contribute to a diagnostic pathway and assessments carried out by medical professionals such as Specialist Speech and Language Therapists and Community Paediatricians.
I have extensive experience and knowledge of working in support of children and young people before, during and after they are assessed regardless of whether they receive a diagnosis or not.
Working with individual adults
Can include:
Helping adults with a ‘stuck’ situation to identify their main concerns and plan a positive course of action
Supervision or coaching
Informal telephone/remote or face-to-face consultations
Support in the home
Staff surgery/ drop in sessions
I use a range of different techniques and approaches and can write a summary report if requested.
“Sarah is a knowledgeable and approachable professional to work with, sensitively ensuring collaboration between home and school. An action plan was formed in a clear and concise report to suggest ways to ensure my daughter is supported in school and enable her to meet her potential. Thank you for all your advice and input, it has been invaluable!”