Brighton & Hove Inclusion Support Service (BHISS) Educational Psychology Service

The Brighton & Hove Educational Psychology Team (EP Team) work in educational settings to support learning, development, and emotional wellbeing. 

We use psychological theory and evidence-based practice to help overcome barriers to learning and engagement. We're committed to promoting inclusion, equity, and positive outcomes for all. 

Our educational psychologists are all fully qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). We're part of Brighton & Hove Inclusion Support Service and work closely with other BHISS teams.

Who we work with 

We work with:

• children and young people aged 0 to 25 years across Brighton & Hove in early years settings, schools, post-16 providers, alternative provision and those not in a setting
• children and young people experiencing a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including those relating to: 
  • communication and interaction 
  • cognition and learning 
  • social, emotional, and mental health 
  • sensory and or physical needs

We work in a joined-up approach to support children, young people, and families, working closely with: 

• SENCOs and Inclusion Leads 
• parents and carers 
• education setting staff 
• other professionals across education, health, and social care  

What we do 

We do the following:

• consultation, which brings together those who know the child or young person best, to develop shared understanding and problem-solve ways forward
• assessment to better understand strengths and needs to inform planning and provision - this includes educational psychology advice as part of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) and contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• intervention and support using evidence-based approaches 
• training and workforce development for schools and settings, parents, carers and other professionals on inclusive practice and approaches that support children and young people with additional needs
• citywide support and initiative developments that promote inclusion

How we work  

Each school and college in Brighton & Hove has one or more educational psychologists allocated as named links.  Support is typically planned through consultation at a team around the setting, meeting with SENCOs to consider priority areas of work which may include: 

• consultations and staff problem-solving 
• observations, assessment and advice as part of the assess plan do review cycle 
• group or whole-class approaches 
• strategic work with leadership teams 
• training and staff development  

Parents and carers are central to our work. 

We aim to: 

• involve you in discussions and decisions about your child 
• listen to your views and experiences 
• provide practical advice to support your child at home 

How to get support from us

You can get support from us in the following ways:

• your child's nursery, school or college will contact us if your child or family needs support from us - talk to your child's teacher, the SENCo or Inclusion Lead if you think your child or family needs support from us
• if your child is undergoing an Educational Health Care Needs Assessment, the SEN Team will request advice from an educational psychologist as part of the assessment process
• schools and settings seek consent of a parent or carer before an educational psychologist works with a child or young person
• the Educational Psychology Team does not have open referral access for parents and carers