Where appropriate, Educational Psychologists work with schools to develop universal approaches to intervention. This might mean designing or providing materials which can be used in schools and nurseries to improve learning and development for all children and young people. For example: 

• Universal nurture approaches – these are the strategies and practices designed to support the growth and development of all children and young people, regardless of their background or circumstances, by providing a nurturing and inclusive environment.

• Visible learning principles – these are evidence-based strategies which emphasise making learning processes and outcomes transparent, enabling both teachers and pupils to understand and improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning.

• Emotion coaching approaches – these involve guiding children to recognise, understand, and manage their emotions effectively through empathetic listening, validation, and problem-solving strategies.

• Restorative practice – this refers to methods and strategies aimed at repairing harm, restoring relationships, and fostering a sense of community through inclusive and empathetic discussions.

To find out more about the types of interventions and strategies we promote in schools, click here.

Sometimes, Educational Psychologists may assist more directly in the provision of targeted support. This might take the form of helping school staff or other professionals run small groups focusing on a specific aspect of development. 

Before engaging in any form of direct intervention, in line with our core intervention principle of being minimally intrusive, Educational Psychologists will always consider whether:

• the work is programmatic in nature - i.e. teaching and learning and as such is better delivered by school staff

• there is another practitioner who has a relationship with the child/young person and who would be better placed to undertake the piece of work

• the task can be undertaken collaboratively with another practitioner to develop their future skills and expertise

• the rationale for the direct work is to add to the Educational Psychologist's assessment

• the basis of the direct work is to inform intervention work to be carried out by another practitioner

Examples of of targeted interventions include: 

• Video Interaction Guidance: involves recording specific interactions, and highlighting positive aspects of interaction between the adult and child. 

• Person Centred Planning: involves taking a positive, strengths based approach to highlighting the child or young person's strengths and developing a shared way forward. 

• Solution Focused Approaches: rather than focusing on "problem behaviour". this approach focuses on finding solutions.

• Motivational Interviewing: This is a guided method of communication between a child/young person and a trained coach which can be used to support a person's motivation and commitment to positive change.