Early years (preschool) Educational Psychology support for parents and carers

Welcome! This form is for parent(s)/carer(s) looking for advice/support from an Early Years Educational Psychologist.

Who we are

We are a small team of community Educational Psychologists. Using psychology, we can help support your pre-school aged child’s: 

• development
• learning
• play
• wellbeing

We take a holistic approach to supporting each child with their family. Our support is different depending on the strengths and needs of each child and family.

Our support

We focus on what the child 'can do' to help provide advice on what they may need support 'for'. We try to empower the adults who know the child best and who are most important to the child. We aim to help them create meaningful changes that impact their child’s:

• development
• learning
• wellbeing.

Usually, our support starts with an initial consultation. This can be used to solve problems and agree if any further advice or support is needed.

Some other ways we support are:

• observing and finding out about a child's development through playful activities
• discussing and sharing information with other early years professionals
• contributing to and attending the Local Authority’s Early Years Multi-Agency Panel (EYMAP)
• carrying out further consultations either individually or with other teams and services
• sharing information or attending meetings to support a child’s transition to childcare or school
• facilitating workshops for early years professionals and parents/carers
• community work – such as attending ‘Stay and Plays’ and giving advice/information there

Each of our psychologists supports a different area. These areas depend on school catchment areas and where your child is likely to go to nursery.

Who can get advice and support

This support is available to parents and carers of children who:

•  are 0-5 years old
• are not currently accessing a nursery school education place
• live in Neath Port Talbot

Types of advice and support

• Advice about play and educational activities to support your child's learning at home.
• Ideas to help support your child’s wellbeing and emotional development.
• Advice to help prepare a child transitioning to an education setting.

Unfortunately, we are unable to discuss any needs that may be in relation to your child's health/medical needs. We suggest that you seek advice in relation to these needs from your Health Visitor.

What happens next

Once you have completed the form, we will aim to get back to you via telephone within 5 working days to confirm a time and date (Monday-Friday between the hours of 9-5pm) to arrange a consultation.

You will usually receive an initial telephone conversation (consultation) of around 30-45 minutes with your link community Early Years Educational Psychologist.

During this first consultation, the Early Years Educational Psychologist will discuss your hopes and expectations for the consultation. They will also ask you questions about your child’s strengths, interests and anything you feel your child might need support with. They will then help to problem solve, together with you, possible ideas for supporting your child.

If you need help to complete the support form, you could contact your Health Visitor or any another professional/practitioner involved in already supporting you. You could also email eyaln@npt.gov.uk to ask for help.

Concerns about child protection, adult at risk or professional abuse

If yes, the concerns need to be shared immediately by telephone with:

• Relevant partner agency
• Police (999/101)
• Social Services, Adults and Children’s Single Point of Contact Tel: 01639 686802  
• NHS Corporate Safeguarding (01639 683164)