Consultation and assessment

Information about virtual consultations and assessments

Consultations and assessments can be carried out face to face in “real life” or using online/remote video platforms. Our team of educational psychologists (EPs) can be flexible in choice of approach to an assessment in line with AEP (Association of Educational Psychology) guidance. EPs are informed by professional guidance on conducting assessments in person and virtually. The arrangements for an assessment are a professional judgement, made by an EP, taking into consideration the needs, views and preferences of the child/young person, their parents/carers and the demands of the local context.

Regardless of the mode of assessment chosen by an EP, high professional standards will always be upheld. All EP assessments must comply with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) professional standards and take account of British Psychological Society (BPS) codes of ethical practice. All EP advice is GDPR compliant, and quality assured to ensure robust psychological advice is provided. A virtual assessment is fully Code of Practice compliant, and literature indicates that online methods are effective (see reference list) and may be easier for some children and families to participate in this way.

Any limitations to an EP assessment will be stated in the report.

Educational Psychologist (EP) involvement in Tribunals

Educational Psychologists may sometimes be involved in SEND tribunal processes if further professional advice is requested as part of the formal proceedings.

It may be helpful for you to know that, in this context, the role of an EP is independent and impartial.

What does “impartial” mean?

When contributing to a tribunal, an EP does not represent either the Local Authority or the family. Instead, we act as an independent professional whose role is to:

• provide clear, evidence‑based psychological advice
• support understanding of a child or young person’s strengths and needs
• help inform decision‑making in a balanced and transparent way

EPs are expected to maintain clarity, honesty, and professional boundaries, including being open where information is limited and revising views if new evidence emerges.

Professional standards and ethics

All Educational Psychologists are regulated by professional standards and ethical guidelines (including HCPC and British Psychological Society frameworks).

This means that EPs must:

• act with integrity and professionalism
• base their advice on evidence and psychological understanding
• ensure their work is fair, transparent, and accountable
• prioritise ethical practice, even within legal processes

Focus on the child or young person

Regardless of the legal context, the EP’s work remains grounded in what is in the best interests of the child or young person.

This includes:

• listening carefully to and representing the views of the child or young person wherever possible
• considering their wellbeing, development, and lived experience
• integrating information from families, schools, and other professionals to build a holistic understanding

In tribunal work, EPs may help to bring together different perspectives so that the child or young person’s needs are clearly understood.

Working within a legal process

Tribunal involvement sits within a formal legal framework. At times, EP involvement may be requested as part of statutory processes. In these situations:

• their advice is shared with the tribunal to support fair decision‑making
• they continue to work in line with professional ethics and good practice.