Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated | 19/07/2011
How do we work?
We work together in 3 teams. Each psychologist works in 3 main
areas:
School Allocation
Every school community has a named psychologist who provides
support and advice to school staff and other professionals. We also
provide support and advice to families and young people in the
community around the school.
Area of Expertise
Some psychologists have also developed an area of special
skill or expertise such EMDR, VIG, autism, self-harm, solution
focussed work.
Strategic Work
We also participate in developing policies and procedures. We are
involved at ECS level in several reference and working groups that
develop policy and practice in areas such as fostering, self-harm,
early years, autism, mental health and additional support needs.
Members of the team are also active in national working
groups.
What kind of things can a psychologist help with?
These are only some of the many areas where psychologists can be
involved:
- Family difficulities
- Challenging behaviour
- Learning difficulties
- Support for staff
- Raising attainment for a group of children
- Developing emotional wellbeing on a school-wide level
What about confidentiality?
We work within the policies of Perth & Kinross Council and the
British Psychological Society's of Ethics and Conduct, with regards
to Child Protection and sharing information. We will respect the
confidentiality of information unless the safety and wellbeing of
any child or young people may be at risk.
Young people can request a confidential consultation and have the
right to be consulted about the involvement of the psychology
service.
What if you have any concerns about the service
provided?
The matter should firstly be taken up with the relevant
psychologist. If this fails to answer your concerns, the matter
should be discussed with the Principle Psychologist.
What training do we have and how do we keep up to date?
All educational psychologists employed by Scottish local
authorities must be registered with the Health Professionals
Council. In order to become registered we complete a minimum of 7
years training, which includes an Honours degree in psychology, 2
years post graduate study to MSc level, and 1 year probationary
practice in a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited
psychology service.
We have a duty to keep our skills and knowledge up to date by
completing a minimum requirement of Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) training every year. We all have an annual review
meeting with our line manager.
Our quality of service delivery is evaluated using the Quality
Improvement indicators designed for psychological services, and
externally through
HMIE inspections of psychological services [pdf 65KB].
How can people access the Psychology Service?
Access to services is identified following
consultation, usually through ongoing links with school
communities and other establishments. The service can also be
accessed directly:
Education & Children's Sevices
Pullar House
35 Kinnoull Street
Perth
PH1 5GD
Tel: 01738 476200
Fax: 01738 476210
Email: ecspsychologists@pkc.gov.uk
