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Empowering Professionals

Psychology Service: Empowering Schools & Families

Recognising the enthusiasm schools have for their work, alongside the financial constraints some face in accessing additional psychological support, SCPS has, over the past year, introduced an innovative initiative to empower educators through supervision training.

Our Schools & Community Psychology Service (SCPS) is dedicated to fostering holistic well-being within educational communities.

Recognising the enthusiasm schools have for their work, alongside the financial constraints some face in accessing additional psychological support, SCPS has, over the past year, introduced an innovative initiative to empower educators through supervision training. This collaborative approach allows schools to extend the benefits of psychological expertise in a cost-effective way while ensuring educational practices remain effective and responsive to students’ needs.

To address this challenge, SCPS has piloted a programme that trains teachers to become supervisors. This comprehensive package includes two days of initial training and four termly top-up sessions, supplemented by ongoing advice and support to ensure effective implementation. By equipping educators with supervision skills, schools can cultivate a supportive environment that enhances staff well-being and professional growth.

Having a calm voice and thoughtful presence to give us the space to talk through a difficult case – it can be difficult to find the time and not to feel as if you need to have all the answers (especially as a SENCo) and the EPs that I work with are great at providing that space and asking all the right questions!

Secondary School Inclusion Manager

In recent months, SCPS has also responded to a growing demand for direct engagement with parents. In response, the service is supporting schools with parental engagement and offering increasing opportunities for direct training and workshops as part of schools’ regular coffee morning practices. Topics can include anything that feels pressing for the school community, including building emotional resilience, strong attachments, as well as healthy boundaries and quality play time at home. This aligns with SCPS’s holistic approach, which emphasises collaboration with both schools and families to create optimal environments for children’s development.

Through these initiatives, the Schools & Community Psychology Service exemplifies its commitment to comprehensive support, ensuring that educators and parents are equipped to foster the well-being and potential of every child.

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