Psychology

Psychologists formally assess new students on a variety of psychometric tests to find out their specific areas of relative strengths and difficulties and the level of the student's cognitive functioning and development. The results are analysed carefully and provide a basis of information for planning individual learning programmes and/or behaviour management strategies.

Observation and consultation with parents and staff are also important components of the assessment process.

The psychologists, in close consultation with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, are also responsible for producing behaviour management programmes. Staff working with the students in the care and education environments implement the programmes under the supervision of the psychologists.

The psychologists provide individual counselling for students requiring this input and, in collaboration with other therapists, may run groups for students, to implement training in different aspects such as social skills, anger management, assertiveness, leaving The NCYPE and other areas of social and personal development.