With these extremely difficult, unprecedented times which are set to be with us for some time, we at Psychology Direct have ways to use safe and secure platforms to enable assessments of all types to take place remotely. If you would like to talk to any of our team about how we can support, please call us on 01306 879975. From all at Psychology Direct please stay safe and well.

Case study

County Council faces major challenge

A challenging backlog of EHCP assessments which we reduced through our network, with efficiency and proactivity.

Brief

A County Council had a major challenge on their hands, a lack of capacity to carry out statutory assessments needed for Education Health Care Plans for pupils within a catchment area of 210 schools across the county. The whole problem was exacerbated by the shortage of EPs across the county which whilst large, is sparsely populated.
Without urgent intervention and support, the Council were going to seriously struggle to meet their obligations on timescales for statutory assessments.


Action

We got to work immediately. We knew we would also be challenged by the shortage of EPs across the county, so we widened the net. Using a range of resources and our own network, we proactively approached EPs in neighbouring counties and around the UK who weren’t averse to a longer travel time, even overnight stops. We put together a team of 5 EPs and then arranged IT training for them at the Council’s offices prior to any assessments taking place. Once the EPs were set up we then worked on the assessment schedule needed to meet the demands of the backlog.

Outcome

We are delighted to say that the outcome was a great result for the children awaiting assessments and a great relief to the Council that they had delivered on their requirements and commitments to the families in their care.
Our team of EPs efficiently and professionally worked through the backlog at a rate of two a day to significantly reduce it. In six months, we carried out 150 assessments.

Feedback

The Council have given us exceptional feedback about our work and indicated this has been the start of a close and longer-term working partnership. We are delighted to have earned the position as their number one preferred supplier for EP services, a reflection of the value we brought and quality of service we provided.

Get in touch

Contact us using one of the tabs on the form below, or call us on 01306 879 975 to find out how we can help. Alternatively, click here to request a call back.

Our process

It's simple, we understand your need and...

We match associates to your needs

You instruct & we manage the Admin

Report QC checked & submitted on time

Why Psychology Direct?

  • Experienced
    We have a long and excellent track record in delivering an outstanding service to our clients
  • Well networked
    An impressive register of over 1000 qualified Psychologists available for work at short notice anywhere around the country
  • Knowledgeable
    We know our professionals and we understand what clients need
  • Personable
    You’ll have a dedicated, accessible Client Manager allocated for the duration of your case
  • Efficient
    Accurate reports supplied on time, efficient administration and fast response times
  • Proactive
    We’ll provide all the support you need to make your job easier
  • Cost effective
    Fees normally the same or lower than approaching a Psychologist directly
  • Ethical
    Respect and understanding in our dealings with clients and Associates

FAQs

Unfortunately not, we only work business to business, through solicitors, local authorities, CPS, case management companies and schools. If you are a private individual looking for a psychologist please speak with your solicitor, school, GP or insurer.

If you wish to locate a Psychologist yourself then visit the British Psychological Society’s website at https://www.bps.org.uk/

Absolutely not! Our service is based on providing excellent value – and added value.

Not only will we secure you an appropriately qualified and experienced Psychologist for your case without all the time and hassle of searching for one yourself, but we’ll handle all administration, bookings and ensure you get the report on time plus you’ll have a dedicated client manager at your beck and call too.

So you get competitive prices and all our extra support at no extra cost, meaning you save yourself time and money.

Unfortunately, we are unable to assist self-referred, private individuals but if you visit the following websites you can find directories of independent psychologists across the UK:

Yes, absolutely. All our Educational Psychologists are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council, have been through enhanced DBS checks, have experience in schools and LAs, undertake CPD and have professional indemnity insurance.

At Psychology Direct we have the largest UK-wide network of qualified Psychologists, so we are well placed to quickly secure and provide an EP, despite the challenges presented by the national shortage.

As soon as our Client Management team receive your enquiry, we’ll get on the case and supply CVs and quotes to you within 24 hours. Depending upon EP availability, normally we can arrange an appointment within two to three weeks, but often sooner.