Assistant Psychologist (APs) observe assessments, attend Educational Psychology (EP) consultations, talk through casework with the psychologist, complete structured observations and assessments under EP guidance, and work directly with students to implement EP recommendations, strategies, interventions and programmes and evaluate the impact of their work. Direct contact work with students takes up around 50-75% of an APs time depending on the school they are working in.
APs also train teachers, teaching assistants and parents, and gather informed consent, EP questionnaires and associated paperwork.
APs also work directly with the SENCo and Inclusion Manager of their host school on a daily basis, and SENCos and Inclusion Managers have been trained on how best to use and support an AP in their school.
Each Assistant Psychologist (AP) is under the direct supervision of an experienced educational psychologist for at least 20 days a year in term time.
APs can also receive additional supervision from the wider EP, Clinical and Counselling Psychology team.
In addition, APs receive additional weekly mentoring from their link Senior AP. All Senior APs have at least eight days of training on AP mentoring; coaching; Solution Focused Brief Therapy; consultation skills and how to use different models of supervision.
All APs are trained on different reflection and problem solving models.
In addition, APs also receive mentoring from:
Pre-induction all APs must:
APs will complete their initial induction training online. On occasion, we may also complete some training sessions in person (usually at Harley Street or in Highgate). Training sessions are run by a team of experienced educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, CBT practitioners, professional coaches and former doctoral course directors.
All AP and SAP training sessions are open to EPs and Trainee Educational Psychologists (TEPs) currently supporting schools with EdPsychs' contacts.
The AP induction programme is a professional training programme developed by a team of educational psychologists to allow APs to support EPs effectively in a school with an EdPsychs’ EP contract, rather than a programme of study.
APs support schools full time (term time only) and they are expected to develop personally and professionally during their time with EdPsychs (which has a one-year minimum commitment) and each AP must work in a way that protects the company, the profession, the school, our client group and the AP themselves.
This ongoing ethical, professional, compliance orientated 'safety first' approach runs through the entire functioning of a professional psychologist in independent practice and APs are also expected to maintain these standards of professional conduct (at BPS level) in their own work.
The 2021-22 running order is presented below. Each day runs from 9am to 5pm with breaks and lunch built in.
It should be noted that EdPsychs run an interleaved problem based teaching and learning approach where skills are taught, practised, embedded and developed over time. Training is for something, rather than something to attend.
Much of the additional ongoing training and support an AP receives is built into their daily work, and the following training, thinking and reflection process is the starting point of the AP training and development process rather than the training process itself.
APs and SAPs will have an additional 20-71 days per year working alongside an experienced educational psychologist (or clinical psychologist) in their attached school, and additional supervision, training, mentoring and learning opportunities will occur there also (and these experiences will be different for each AP and SAP as individual EPs and schools work differently).
The core AP and SAP training is outlined below.
Assistant Psychologist (APs) and Senior Assistant (SAPs) training days will all follow the interactive, deep processing EdPsychs format of:
All training is underpinned by the EdPsychs Remote working, GDPR and Health and Safety policies.
EdPsychs employed and consultant Educational Psychologists (EPs) are welcome to attend any AP or SAP training as long as they complete over 50 days a year with the company. You will need to sign up for these in advance with Tereza Matysova (Operational Director for Media, Training, Publishing and Software at EdPsychs Ltd).
Additional training sessions are usually added as the year progresses. Please keep looking on this page for updated schedules and potential date and time changes. Brechje (PAP) will also send out updates to the full AP team as and when these sessions are booked in. As always, please notify Tereza of attendance in advance.
| Date | Assistant Psychologist | Senior Assistant Psychologist |
|---|---|---|
| 25th Aug |
Welcome to EdPsychs. Meeting the full AP team. The company’s use of Problem Based Learning will be introduced, and active examples advanced. The role of an EP and an AP will be discussed and BPS and HCPC Codes of Practice and ethical practice in the workplace introduced (this will underpin all EP and AP work across the year). APs will observe an introductory planning meeting and see systemic, individual and developmental EP work in progress. This will be linked to a case analysis story arc; an example EP report and enquiry around long term support and planning of student’s welfare and development. The positive reporting model of company practice will be developed, and APs will be introduced to company referral forms and good practice. Supervision structures (by EPs) and Mentoring structures (by Senior APs) will be introduced. Session run by JH (EP) and AR (EP) from 9-5pm. KM (EP) and Senior AP team will join us 9-10am. |
Learning how to run the EP consultation model. The distinction between expertise, evidence base, mentoring, exploration and coaching. Definitions of coaching and coaching psychology and introductory models of consultation and of coaching practice. Qualities, competencies and skills that contribute to effective coaching in schools. This session will begin linking training to the Narrative Psychology Sessions where these skills will be applied by Senior Assistant Psychologists. Session run by KM (EP). 10am-5pm. |
|
26th August |
Introduction to Social, Emotional and Mental Health case work and case analysis. Initial work around ‘what is anxiety?’ and ‘what is stress?’, theoretical underpinnings, introduction to IFF use and three types of assessment for anxiety. Interactive case analysis work will be embedded in this session so APs understand how their link EPs are working and the approaches they are using. This session will be linked to the graduated response model and to Tier 2 school based intervention. Additional links will then be made to upcoming training. Session run by JH (EP). 9am - 5pm. |
Running successful AP mentoring sessions. Examination of the difference between mentoring and coaching models; practical case analysis of how mentoring and coaching of APs is different to the supervision that you receive from EPs; and exploration of how these can be used when you are mentoring APs. Future links made to upcoming PCP and Coaching training and narrative psychology sessions. Session run by KM (EP). 9am – 5pm. |
|
27th August |
The SEN Code of Practice and the graduated response model of EP practice. Using the graduated response model to help schools use their resources more effectively. How EdPsychs EPs build provision maps and develop high quality SEN provision in schools using systemic, whole school approaches that are externally audited. Measuring impact and long-term evaluation structures. This session is linked to August 25th planning meeting observation and case story arcs of Plan, Do, Review models. Session run by KM (EP). 9am – 5pm. |
Personal Construct Psychology 2: Using PCP to further explore clients thinking in schools and on the narrative psychology training days. Session run by AR (EP). 9am - 5pm. |
|
31st August |
Ethical and Professional Practice: doing the right thing in EP and AP practice. Case studies; ethical vignettes and when to access EP supervision and AP mentoring over and above the usual supervision and mentoring structures. Wider support structures of the company introduced. Session run by Professor IG to lead. 9am-5pm. |
Coaching in consultation models and mentoring 1: Session run by KM (EP). 9am-5pm. |
|
1st Sept |
Listening to Children and Young People (CYP) Listening to clients is a central part of the work of modern psychologist, and helping them explore their interests, values, motivations, ideal future selves and the way they would like to take charge of their life. Voice of the child work is at the centre of this work: and APs will learn about advancing a client centred approach. This will include the use of qualitative materials to explore client thinking, experiences, aspirations and core motivations and the types of psychological and school based support they would benefit from. This session will link to the perspective taken on Narrative Psychology days. Session run by Professor IG. 9am-5pm. |
Coaching in consultation models and mentoring 2: Session run by KM (EP). 9am-5pm. |
|
2nd Sept |
Spiritual Listening and Qualitative Approaches Using spiritual listening. coaching and qualitative psychological approaches in schools. How to use qualitative materials to better understand a client’s thinking, wellbeing, motivation and aspirations. This is supporting future AP use of Personal Construct Psychology, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, the GROW model of coaching and voice of the child work. Session run by Professor IG. 9am – 5pm. |
Coaching in consultation models and mentoring 3: Session run by KM (EP). 9am-5pm. |
| 3rd Sept |
Attachment Theory day 1: ‘Recognition and potential causes, psychological theories and models’. Session run by LW (EP). 9am-5pm. |
Coaching in consultation models and mentoring 4: Session run by KM (EP). 9am-5pm. |
|
6th Sept |
Attachment Theory day 2: ‘Assessment Tools, interventions, support, evaluations and evidence based practice in schools. Session run by LW (EP). 9am-5pm. |
Coaching in consultation models and mentoring 5: Session run by KM (EP). 9am-5pm. |
|
7th Sept |
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 1: Session run by JM (EP). 9am – 5pm. |
Coaching in consultation models and mentoring 6: Session run by KM (EP). 9am-5pm. |
|
8th Sept |
AP Practice in schools Joining the Senior AP team: Being an ethical AP under EP supervision, direction and control. Using your AP handover documents. The company portal and timesheet model; Using supervision and mentoring sessions in the company (recording and frequency). Meeting your AP Mentors. Understanding company remote working guidelines; Remote training guidelines and metacognitive structures underpinning these. Reflect on earlier ethics and safeguarding training and revisit referral form training and safeguarding monitoring records. Looking at Health and Safety protocols. Session run by JH (EP), KM (EP) and AB (IT). 9am – 5pm. |
AP Practice in schools Joining the first year AP team: Being an ethical AP under EP supervision, direction and control. Using your AP handover documents. The company portal and timesheet model; Using supervision and mentoring sessions in the company (recording and frequency). Meeting your AP Mentors. Understanding company remote working guidelines; Remote training guidelines and metacognitive structures underpinning these. Reflect on earlier ethics and safeguarding training and revisit referral form training and safeguarding monitoring records. Looking at Health and Safety protocols. Session run by JH (EP), KM (EP) and AB (IT). 9am – 5pm. |
|
10th Sept |
Whole team dinner and drinks in Islington after this. Session run by JH (EP) and KM (EP). 9am-5pm. |
Whole team dinner and drinks in Islington after this. Session run by JH (EP) and KM (EP). 9am-5pm. |
|
24th Sept |
Solution Focused Brief Therapy: Session run by Alison Russell (EP). 9am -5pm. |
Qualitative Action Research: Developing the EdPsychs Research Project for use in schools. Session run by JH (EP), KM (EP), Professor IG and BB (PAP). 9am – 5pm. |
|
8th October |
MAP Mindfulness Training 1: Session run by JM (EP). 9am – 5pm. |
|
|
22nd Oct |
Narrative Psychology Session 1: Being a psychologist is all about listening actively and deeply; being aware of and listening to people’s personal stories and journeys; listening carefully to a clients values, motivations and personal life experiences; asking the most appropriate mix of questions and learning to understand the client’s view of the world and the experiences and influences which are important to them. Senior APs will apply their coaching, consultation and case analysis training and explore the barriers, motivations and support structures around a client and develop a short action plan of intervention. Session run by EG (coach and mediator) and a team of actors using authentic life stories. Session supported by company EPs. |
|
|
6th Nov |
Doctoral Course Discussion Day: This is a voluntary discussion session where we will talk through your thinking on doctoral applications; which courses you are interested in and the skills and experience you may need to develop over the year. Session run by Professor IG. 9am – 5pm. |
|
|
19th November |
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 2: Session run by JM (EP). 9am – 5pm. |
Case Analysis Day: We will look at approach to working with clients on the Narrative Psychology Day; coaching, SFBT, PCP and consultation skills used and applied; how we could have better developed our understanding of the case; we will build the IFF from the case and the school’s associated EP consultation record. Session run by JH (EP). 9am – 5pm. |
|
3rd December |
Using Personal Construct Psychology with Clients to understand their thinking. Using sociograms to understand friendship and social dynamics in the classroom. Session run by AR (EP). |
Qualitative Action Research Day 2: Developing the EdPsychs Research Project for use in schools. Session run by KM (EP) and BB (PAP). 9am – 5pm. |
|
11th December |
TEP Day One: This is a voluntary session run by previous EdPsychs Assistant Psychologists who are now Trainee Educational Psychologists. This will look at: The TEP experience; which parts of being an AP were most useful for a future TEP and the wider work around becoming a psychologist. TEPs will facilitate APs organising themselves into 1) Presentation groups and the 2) Q and A groups and then 3) group task groups. 9am – 5pm. |
|
|
15th January |
TEP Day Two: This is a voluntary session run by previous EdPsychs Assistant Psychologists who are now Trainee Educational Psychologists. This will look at: The TEP experience; which parts of being an AP were most useful for a future TEP and the wider work around becoming a psychologist. TEPs will facilitate APs organising themselves into 1) Presentation groups and the 2) Q and A groups and then 3) group task groups. APs must have attended day 1 to attend day 2. 9am – 5pm. |
|
|
28th Jan |
Narrative Psychology Session 2: Being a psychologist is all about listening actively and deeply; being aware of and listening to people’s personal stories and journeys; listening carefully to a clients values, motivations and personal life experiences; asking the most appropriate mix of questions and learning to understand the client’s view of the world and the experiences and influences which are important to them. APs and Senior APs will apply their coaching, consultation and case analysis training and explore the barriers, motivations and support structures around a client and develop a short action plan of intervention. Session run by EG (coach and mediator) and a team of actors using authentic life stories. Session supported by company EPs. 9am – 5pm. |
|
|
25th February |
MAP Mindfulness Training 2: Session run by JM (EP). 9am – 5pm. |
Case Analysis Day 2 for Senior APs We will look at approach to working with clients on the Narrative Psychology Day; coaching, SFBT, PCP and consultation skills used and applied; how we could have better have developed our understanding of the case; we will build the IFF from the case and the school’s associated EP consultation record. Session run by JH (EP). 9am – 5pm. |
|
25th March |
Supporting teachers to develop student learning and independence using metacognitive and executive functioning approaches and strategies. Session Run by AR (EP). 9-5pm. |
|
|
29th April |
Narrative Psychology Session 3 Being a psychologist is all about listening actively and deeply; being aware of and listening to people’s personal stories and journeys; listening carefully to a clients values, motivations and personal life experiences; asking the most appropriate mix of questions and learning to understand the client’s view of the world and the experiences and influences which are important to them. APs and Senior APs will apply their coaching, consultation and case analysis training and explore the barriers, motivations and support structures around a client and develop a short action plan of intervention. Session run by EG (coach and mediator) and a team of actors using authentic life stories. Session supported by company EPs. 9am – 5pm. |
|
|
6th May |
Cognitive Behaviour Systems Day 1: Session Run by JM (EP) in two groups; 9am-12pm: Group 1 1pm- 4pm: Group 2 |
|
|
27th May |
Using drawing based approaches with students: Session Run by HM (EP). 9am – 12pm. Supporting teachers to support students with ADHD: Session run by CL (Clinical Psychologist). 1pm -5pm. |
Cognitive Behaviour Systems Day 2: Session Run by JM (EP) in two groups; 9am-12pm: Group 1 1pm- 4pm: Group 2 |
|
24th June |
Cognitive Behaviour Systems Day 3: Session Run by JM (EP) in two groups; 9am-12pm: Group 1 1pm- 4pm: Group 2 |
|
|
Life Compass Training with Professor Irvine Gersch for Senior Leaders in Schools |
||
|
8th January 2022 |
Life compass Day 1 training: Interim coaching activities will be set between day 1 and day 2. |
|
|
5th February 2022 |
Life Compass Day 2 Training: Attendees must have completed day 1 to attend this day. |
|
| Date | Training | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
15th Oct |
Using your AP support effectively |
Harley Street: |
|
10th Dec |
Pedagogy in the classroom: Further developing high quality teaching 1 |
Harley Street: |
|
11th Feb |
The Early Years curriculum Bridging the gap 1 |
Harley Street: |
|
18th March |
Pedagogy in the classroom: Further developing high quality teaching 2 |
Harley Street: |
|
20th May |
The Early Years curriculum Bridging the gap 2 |
Harley Street: |
|
29th June |
Whole School Development and Coaching Models |
Harley Street: |
