How we work

We work within a context of national legislation and guidelines, and professional codes of ethics and conduct. We work to meet the expectations set by national initiatives:

• DfES guidance Removing Barriers to Achievement places a greater emphasis on the use of support services to build capacity in schools to meet inclusion needs.
• Children Act 2004, Together from the Start, National Service Framework, Extended schools, Children’s Centres promotes early intervention and measures that prevent problems. We also work with children and families outside of schools settings, for example, in the early years. Multi-agency working will be a key focus.
• Code of Practice on Special Educational Needs.
• The DfES Report on Effective Psychological Services in England and Wales (July 2000) is clear about the purpose of the service.

To promote child development and learning through the application of psychology by working with individuals and groups of children, teachers and other adults in schools, families, Local Authority officers, health and social services and other agencies.

We also work towards our own principles and beliefs and share the view (Code of Practice) that children’s needs are defined by a complex interaction of systems. Difficulties they experience do not exist in isolation from school, family and community, and this has important implications for how we work with those who seek our help.