The Analysis of Additional Needs (AANT): Online educational psychology analysis and consultation process

Abstract

Aim(s)This exploratory research aimed toexplorethe views of education setting staff who have undertaken an Analysis of Additional Needs Screening Tool (AANT) online assessment and consultation with an Educational Psychologist (EP). Initially, education staff complete the online AANT form, comprising a range of solution-oriented questions about the child or young person’s strengths and difficulties. This is followed by a consultation with an EP. Whilst the EP service now utilises video conferencing applications, at the time of this research the consultation was undertaken either face-to-face (F2F) or using the telephone. The research questions centred around the importance of hearing the experiences of education staff as consultees within the AANT process, and how their views might inform further development of the AANT consultation process.Method/RationaleThis exploratory study involved two phases. The first involved three F2F semi-structured interviews with staff who had taken part in both F2F and telephone EP consultation, after having completed the AANT online assessment. This led to phase two which asked specific questions of 46 education staff via a semi-structured telephone conversation with a member of the Local Authority (LA) Psychology & Therapeutic Services (P&TS). The EP Service sits within the P&TS.FindingsThe findings in phase one identified predominant themes relating to the EP Service, how education setting staff engage with and feel about the AANT, the AANT process and AANT outcomes. Broad indicators from this exploratory research are that staff found the AANT process useful and both EP consultation models acceptable and effective. The findings informed further development work in the EP Service.LimitationsThis work was undertaken within one LA and therefore represents a small, but encouraging, geographical sample.ConclusionsAnalysis of the findings helped the LA EP Service to develop the AANT online digital platform which enables effective remote consultation with education setting staff alongside a traditional F2F service delivery model. The level of enthusiastic uptake and positive feedback from educational settings for all ages has exceeded all expectation. The findings extend the evidence base around the use of digital assessment methods and telephone consultation.