Assessments / Advice & next steps
What is an educational psychology assessment?
Educational psychology is broader than intelligence testing. The child’s context, views and response to support are important parts of the picture.
Quick answer
An educational psychology assessment explores how a child or young person learns and what may help them access education. It should answer a clear question, draw on information from the learner, family and education setting, and lead to practical, specific recommendations rather than simply a score or label.
What this means
Educational psychologists consider the interaction between learning, development, communication, emotional wellbeing, environment and teaching. An assessment may involve discussion, observation, review of records and selected activities or measures. The approach should be proportionate to the question being asked.
Before assessment, clarify the concern, support already tried and how the advice will be used. Gather school plans, progress information, work examples and relevant reports. Ask whether the psychologist will speak with the child or young person and school, and how recommendations will be translated into support and reviewed.
Schools or local authorities may have routes to educational psychology advice, and SENDIASS can explain local options. If considering an independent psychologist, check HCPC registration, relevant experience, scope, fees and report arrangements. A report does not itself guarantee a particular decision; its usefulness depends on the question, evidence and recommendations.
What to do next
Define the question you need the assessment to answer. 2. Ask school what support and evidence already exist. 3. Gather plans, progress information, work examples and relevant reports. 4. Confirm who will be consulted and how the child’s views will be included. 5. Ask how recommendations will be implemented and reviewed.
Things to check
Is the psychologist HCPC registered? Does the assessment question match educational psychology expertise? Will evidence be gathered from more than one source? Are recommendations specific, practical and linked to identified needs? Is feedback included?
Questions to ask
What question is the assessment intended to answer? What will observation or assessment involve? How will school and family information be considered? How should recommendations be used and reviewed? Will the report explain limitations or areas needing other professional advice?
Local Northamptonshire route
Access through schools and local authorities can differ. North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council operate separate services and Local Offers, so ask the SENCO which current route applies. Private educational psychology is another option but is not required.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Begin with the school and existing professionals. An educational psychology assessment may help where there is a clear question about learning, participation or provision. Independent assessment is optional and should have an agreed purpose.
What happens next?
The report should be discussed with the family, child where appropriate and school. Agree which recommendations will be tried, who will act and when progress will be reviewed. Ask for clarification if advice is too broad to use.
Support that may help
School SENCO · HCPC-registered educational psychologist · SENDIASS · Relevant health or therapy professional
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.