Scottish Division of Educational Psychology (SDEP)

By Chris Scott (Chair, Scottish Division of Educational Psychologists)

In Scotland, educational psychologists undertake a three year training (2 year MSc and 1 year probation) before they can become a Chartered Member of the Scottish Division of Educational Psychology. The Scottish Government maintains a commitment to the funding of high quality training to meet the demands of working in local authority settings. The profession has in recent years also been funded to expand its activities into the post-school sector and this has led to the setting up of national and local projects and activities.

The contribution made by the profession in Scotland is inspected by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) and this process is assisting Services in ensuring effective practice related to the impact and outcome of their work. Educational psychologists are adapting to the demands of the integrated services agenda and are often uniquely placed to connect themes from working with individual families and children, schools and other colleagues in the local authority to effect positive outcomes.

Education in Scotland is undergoing exciting developments, most recently exemplified by the publication of key progressive agenda documents 'Curriculum for Excellence' and 'Getting it Right for Every Child'. Educational psychology is contributing directly to the national priorities in education set by the Scottish Government and doing this in collaboration with partner agencies.

Educational psychologists in Scotland have been at the forefront of developments involving core skills (synthetic phonics), approaches connected with Better Behaviour and Better Learning (nurturing schools, restorative practice, solution oriented practice) and other innovative developments (philosophy for children, formative assessment and motivation). The SDEP Annual Conference organised jointly with the Association of Principal Educational Psychologists provides an opportunity for the profession to catch up on relevant research and developments from across Scotland, the conference provides a valuable learning opportunity and develops links across local authorities.

Over the last year the SDEP has developed three main areas for strategic development: Practice Guidelines, Use of Funds and Publicity. The work in all three of these areas is in its early stages and will be continued in the coming year please refer to the SDEP website for more information. The revisions are part of an ongoing process of improving the website in order that it may be a key platform in disseminating information.

A continuing issue for all of our members will be the Statutory Regulation of Psychologists and we are actively participating in the consultation process with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and with our colleagues in the rest of the Society. The Division has identified some opportunities and challenges associated with the threshold levels for registration and in the accompanying standards and we are motivated to ensure that the benefits of our distinctive training model and the quality of the training are maintained and continue to reflect our working context within Scottish education.