NEPS Model of Service
In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has adopted a consultative model of service. The focus is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with pupils whose needs range from mild to severe and transient to enduring.
Psychologists use a problem solving and solution focused consultative approach to maximise positive outcomes for these pupils. NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
Teachers may consult their NEPS psychologist should they need to at this stage in the process. Only in the event of a failure to make reasonable progress, in spite of the school's best efforts in consultation with NEPS, will the psychologist become involved with an individual child for intensive intervention.
This process has been advised and communicated to schools in the following guidelines and resource materials:
Information for Primary Schools
Special Education Needs - A Continuum of Support
- Guidelines for Teachers download PDF
- Resource Pack for Teachers download PDF
Behavioural Emotional and Social Difficulties – A Continuum of Support
- Guidelines for Teachers download PDF
Information for Post Primary Schools
A Continuum of Support for Post Primary Schools
- Guidelines for Teachers download PDF
- Resource Pack for Teachers download PDF
Student Support Teams
- A Guide to Establishing a Team or Reviewing an Existing Team PDF
Information common to Primary and Post Primary Schools
Student Support File
This word version of the Student Support File, allows schools to insert their own logo and use and adapt the format. It offers a flexible, generic ‘Support Plan’ and ‘Support Review Record’ that can be used at all levels of support.
Supporting ‘Guidelines for Teachers’ document is also available:
An overview and the key elements of what we do in NEPS are outlined below.
