Understanding PANS and PANDAS: A Guide for Educational Psychologists
Understanding PANS and PANDAS: A Guide for Educational Psychologists Introduction PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are complex, post-infectious medical conditions that can profoundly affect a child’s or young person’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural functioning. Children and young people with PANS or PANDAS…
Read MoreA Solicitor’s Guide To Mental Health Expert Witnesses in Employment Tribunals
A Solicitor’s Guide To Mental Health Expert Witnesses in Employment Tribunals The workplace mental health landscape has transformed dramatically in recent years. According to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) latest statistics, work-related stress, depression, and anxiety now account for 46% of all work-related ill-health cases. Meanwhile, the Institute for…
Read More“It’s Silent” – What the 2025 Safeguarding Report Revealed About Race and Child Protection
“It’s Silent” – What the 2025 Safeguarding Report Revealed About Race and Child Protection Content Warning: This blog discusses child safeguarding cases involving serious harm and death, racism, and systemic failures in child protection. Some readers may find the content distressing. Earlier this year the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel…
Read MoreFamily Hubs Across England – Where to Find Support for Families
Family Hubs Across England – Where to Find Support for Families The government has provided funding to 88 local authorities across England to establish family hubs. As of March 2025, there are now over 640 family hub sites operating across England, providing accessible support for families from pregnancy through to…
Read MoreA Complete Guide to Clinical Negligence Psychology & Psychiatry Expert Witnesses in the UK
A Complete Guide to Clinical Negligence Psychology & Psychiatry Expert Witnesses in the UK Clinical negligence cases involving psychological harm present unique challenges. Unlike physical injuries, psychological injuries require specialised assessment to establish causation, severity, and long-term impact within UK medical law. Understanding when to engage a psychiatrist versus a…
Read MoreBeyond Assessments: The Modern Role of an Educational Psychology Service
Beyond Assessments: The Modern Role of an Educational Psychology Service For many school leaders, Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) directors, and SENCOs, the term “Educational Psychologist” (EP) often brings one thing to mind: statutory assessments for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). While providing expert psychological advice for EHCPs remains a…
Read MoreThe Link Between Emotional Wellbeing and Student Absence (DfE Report 2025)
The Link Between Emotional Wellbeing and Student Absence (DfE Report 2025) The continuous rise in student absence across UK schools is a growing concern. It’s a challenge that weighs heavily on school leaders and local authorities alike, knowing that every day missed can impact a young person’s educational progress and…
Read MoreIn The Pod: In Conversation with Sinead Cole & Chloe Beaumont
Behind every expert witness case is a skilled client manager who manages the many moving parts. In Episode 3 of “In the Pod, In conversation with,” we meet Sinead and Chloe, both Client Managers on Psychology Direct’s Expert Witness team. They discuss the realities of their roles, the biggest challenge…
Read MoreHigh Court Judge Issues Stark Warning About AI Use in Legal Proceedings
High Court Judge Issues Stark Warning About AI Use in Legal Proceedings A recent High Court judgment has sent shockwaves through the legal profession, with fake case citations generated by AI tools finding their way into court documents. President of the King’s Bench Division Dame Victoria Sharp, alongside Mr Justice…
Read MoreThe High Court Judgment That Renders an Expert’s Report “Unreliable”
The High Court Judgment That Renders an Expert’s Report “Unreliable” A recent High Court judgment in, Rebecca Hepworth v Dr Amanda Coates [2025], serves as a stark reminder that expert credibility can be destroyed by fundamental preparation failures. The case shows how even well-intentioned professionals can fatally undermine their evidence…
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