Our core services
Stoke-on-Trent EPS offers a range of core services to schools and settings at no direct cost. These include:
• Solution circles: Collaborative online problem-solving sessions.
• Statutory work: Essential assessments and support required by law.
• Systemic and strategic project work: City-wide initiatives to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Critical incident response: Support for schools facing challenging events.
Solution circles: collaborative problem solving
We offer online group consultations, known as Solution Circles, to all schools and settings in the city. Schools can present anonymized cases or discuss broader SEN topics, after obtaining parental consent. During the session, we record key points and develop an action plan, which is shared with attendees. This provides valuable evidence of a graduated approach and supports individual student plans. To join or schedule a Solution Circle, please contact the EPS.
Statutory work: meeting legal requirements
We conduct Needs Assessments as part of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs). We also provide support for EHC Plan Annual Reviews and Tribunals.
Systemic and strategic project work: city-wide impact
We contribute to key city-wide projects that promote the well-being, development, and educational progress of children and young people. Examples include Relational Approaches in Education (RAiE), Autism in Schools (AiS), and Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS). We collaborate with partner services like the Virtual School and Youth Offending Service.
Critical incident response: supporting schools in challenging times
A critical incident is an event that significantly impacts a school community, potentially overwhelming existing procedures. We provide psychological guidance to senior leaders to help them plan and manage their response. This includes supporting staff, students, and parents/carers to cope with the impact of the incident. Schools needing critical incident support should contact the EPS for an initial discussion.
What schools and settings say about us
We value feedback from our partners. Here's what they've said:
• Autism in schools project: "I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your work... the students have enjoyed the sessions..."
• Critical incident support: "...the extra support from the Educational Psychologist was invaluable and had helped staff and children enormously."
• Solution circles: "Great opportunity to reflect... enables you to be more confident..."
