As psychologists we strive to make a difference, enabling positive change for children and young people. We are skilled in understanding children's development, school and family systems.

Who are we?

We are a passionate, creative and friendly team of over 30 Educational Psychologists (EPs) working in 3 bases across Derbyshire: 

  • Buxton
  • Chesterfield
  • Denby

Educational Psychologists (EPs) have extensive training and qualifications relating to education and child development. Every EP has, as an absolute minimum, 7 years of training before they become qualified. This includes an undergraduate degree in psychology, training in research and statistical analysis, as well as direct experience in education, followed by a doctorate (or previously a master's) in applied child and educational psychology.

The majority of EPs in Derbyshire are trained to doctoral level and all EPs are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. This makes EPs uniquely placed to offer support on a wide range of issues and ensures we are continually adhering to a clear code of ethics in our work.

We have strong links with local universities who provide educational psychology doctorate training. We have several trainee educational psychologists working in our service and value the breadth of new knowledge and skills that they bring. We are a well-established, highly regarded and positively evaluated service.

What we do

We work collaboratively with children, young people, families and schools to holistically explore and understand complex situations. We use applied psychology and a range of tools and approaches to promote well-being, maximise inclusion and support positive educational outcomes. 

The work an Educational Psychologist undertakes can include: 

  • Assessment (e.g. pupil views, observation, dynamic assessment etc)
  • Consultation (e.g. facilitating problem solving discussions using person-centred approaches)
  • Training (bespoke training underpinned by psychological research)
  • Intervention (e.g. therapeutic approaches, reflective supervision etc)
  • Research (as research practitioners we can apply these skills at all levels of our work as well as undertake commissioned research projects)

EPs are trained in applied psychology which helps them to understand both complex problems and to find solutions that work. EPs use this knowledge to support child development, learning, emotional wellbeing and behaviours and work with children and young people of all ages. 

The application of psychological skills is unique to EPs and includes consultative skills which draw on understanding the psychology of change, bespoke intervention and training, group management skills, deep understanding of complex theories and making those accessible and relevant, the ability to problem solve complex situations using a range of psychological frameworks and paradigms, plus additional skills that complement psychological knowledge and understanding such as active listening and emotional containment.

Who do we work with?

For 2026 to 2027, every Derbyshire maintained or academy mainstream school has been provided with a baseline offer of support which has been calculated via a needs-led model. This will be directed towards early intervention at universal, targeted and targeted plus levels for Local Authority priority groups (such as children in care, children at risk of exclusion and other vulnerable groups) and at the specialist level to support pupils with an EHCP where there may be concerns around transition.

The school's EP will discuss the use of this time with the school (typically through the SENDCo or Headteacher) in the first session and agree work, based on need, in collaboration with the school. If parents have concerns about their child, they should raise this with school staff in the first instance.

All schools in Derbyshire also had the opportunity to 'top-up' their baseline support by purchasing additional sessions.

Referrals to support pre-school children who are not in a maintained setting can be made to our service via the Early Years SEN Panel. We do not have set criteria for our involvement but would expect referrals to show: 

  • Evidence of the graduated response to meeting the child's needs and the impact this has had. This could include:
  • Evidence of social and emotional needs (there might be other needs alongside) that are:
    • persisting despite appropriate support and
    • providing a significant barrier to the child's development and/or inclusion in the setting and/or are causing concern for upcoming transition to school.

We are also commissioned by the Local Authority (e.g., to undertake statutory work as part of the Education Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) process, to support with critical incidents etc.) as well as a range of other organisations. Examples of this work include providing professional supervision, offering training, and engaging in research and projects. Schools can find out more about our commissioning work on Services for Schools (S4S) Educational Psychology resources page.

Contact us

Telephone: 01629 533815
Email: EDPsych.Adminripley@derbyshire.gov.uk

Dr. Heather Northcote, Principal Educational Psychologist
Email: Heather.northcote@derbyshire.gov.uk

Further information

For further information about the EPS service, including guides and resources, please see our S4S resources page:
Services for Schools - Educational Psychology Resources