Developing Post-School Psychological Services in Scotland: Fit for purpose?

Abstract

AbstractFew colleagues will have witnessed the beginning of a whole new sector of work in the course of their careers, especially over a brief period of time. This has certainly been the case for Scottish educational psychology services since the advent of post-school psychological services. The original brief was for educational psychology services to support vulnerable young people both before and after leaving school, up to the age of 24. This would be done by working in partnership with agencies and supporting an inclusive agenda, over time and across settings. The aims were to support continuity, improve outcomes and ultimately, the reduction of inequality for Scotland’s most vulnerable young people.The question arises as to whether the profession is fit for purpose in this unique and challenging situation? Building on its existing broad statutory base, is it organised to respond and does it possess the theory base, knowledge and skills to deliver effectively, matching the expectations of key policy writers? This paper reflects upon potentially relevant themes in the literature and offers some preliminary answers to these questions, reflecting positively on distance travelled so far, as well as opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The cumulative views of educational psychologists in training are summarised, as one indicator of the predisposition of the profession to respond to this development.