EPSS Team

Updated: 08/02/24

 

 

Below you will find a description of the teams that make up EPSS, simply click the team name to see the bios of the professionals that make up that specific team.

 

                

Educational, Clinical, and Occupational Psychologists

There are many similarities between EPs, CPs, and OPs. All are applied psychologists who have had extensive training and experience in a range of psychological theory and practice. For clients this often means different psychologists will be able to offer a different range of skills such as therapeutic interventions or specific types of training. Each group will use their expertise in psychology to help move situations forward, while the EP for the school ensures that support for a child is coordinated.

EP training focuses on children and young people from birth to 25 and the systems within which those children live and learn such as schools, families, and colleges. Typical areas of work for EPs include removing barriers for those who experience needs in a wide range of areas. As well as  learning difficulties, EPs  will consider whether emotional, behavioural or social communication factors or other needs impact on the child or young person’s inclusion and participation.

CPs are likely to work in a similar way, offering a range of services from consultation to training, group and individual therapeutic work. CPs have their own training which includes the entire life-span from children through to older people. This is reflected in their skill set, for example, the use of therapeutic approaches with systems (e.g. families), groups and individuals and to support a range of mental health needs which might include anxiety, depression or self-harm for example.

OPs carry out work with children with learning difficulties and are able to work to support change in the settings in which children learn.

Specialist Learning Support Teachers – SLSTs

EPSS also includes SLSTs who, as well as being widely experienced in working with children who experience difficulties with learning, have a range of additional qualifications and/or experience in areas including dyslexia, social communication difficulties, nurture group theory and practice and solution focused brief therapy. SLSTs are qualified to identify dyslexia and complete assessments for access arrangements.

SLSTs work alongside EPs to advise schools and parents on meeting educational needs and offer support including consultation and advice, assessment and direct interventions with individual and groups of children. They can offer a range of interventions including parent workshops, staff training and ‘surgeries’ to discuss individual learning needs.

 

The Social, Emotional, Mental Health Support Team (SEMH)

The SEMH team have a remit to support children & young people in schools, further education provision, and local authority pre-school settings.
The SEMH team provides support for young people, families and staff within educational settings and aims to offer support at the earliest opportunity and reduce exclusions.
The team currently comprises SEMH Practitioners and an SEMH Specialist Support Assistant (SSA)

 

Autism Support Team

 The Autism Support Team have been delivering services to children, schools and others in Norfolk for over 20 years. The team is now comprised of 3 full-time and 2 part-time staff who have a remit to support children in schools and local authority pre-school settings through core or commissioned work. The team are also able to offer accredited autism training to school staff through their collaborative work with the Autism Education Trust.

Critical Incident Team and Critical Incident Support Leads

The Critical Incident Team, led by the Critical Incident Support Leads, , is a multi-disciplinary team trained in trauma management and psychological support, who assist education settings following critical and traumatic incidents. The CI Team receives some core funding from the local authority, and an annual subscription service is offered to academies and independent schools. The team offers consultations in relation to bereaved children in education settings, providing research based support and advice, as well as working closely with Norfolk independent and statutory services. The service  also provides training in relation to managing critical incidents and supporting bereaved children. Please contact Dr Bianca Finger-Berry or Cherie Pointon for further information.

Traded Services Support  and Business Support – BSO

Our BSO Team promote a philosophy of putting children & young people’s needs first at every opportunity they have a keen eye for detail and are the backbone of our service. They are the secondary point of contact for telephone and personal inquiries, supplying information and directing matters as appropriate.

 

Traded Services Support Officer

Our TSSO is your primary contact for any and all queries regarding new and ongoing contracts. The TSSO’s primary duties are to assist in plans to establish this site and extend promotional arrangements, to review financial and business monitoring processes, and to enhance quality assurance and business intelligence systems. Based in our County Hall offices, James is typically the first point of contact for any traded queries. james.brooks@norfolk.gov.uk 01603 306362

 

Business Support 

01603 307550

Business Support Manager – Laura McCourt

Business Support Officers – 

Michele Blazey

Cheryl Gedge

Helen Dodgson

Diane Leslie

Bridget Tinsey

Laura McKenzie

Desteny Dorrington

Sarah Rosser

                

EPSS