Management Information Sheet
EPSS Core Consultations
Core Consultations are a free service offered to Norfolk schools by Educational Psychology & Specialist Support (EPSS), as part of the Local Offer of SEND support services.
Currently we are working with 251 schools (LA, Federations and Academies) across Norfolk, with 10 more who have recently expressed an interest. If you have not yet signed up ... please read on!
Core Consultations are free termly meetings (held virtually) which are led by a Specialist Learning Support Teacher with an SEMH Specialist and, where the school has raised particular concerns about ASD, an ASD specialist.
Core Consultations provide information and support in the following ways:
- Recommendations on interventions and strategies to support individual children and young people's needs
- Support and professional challenge to ensure a graduated and collaborative approach in meeting children's needs and removing barriers to inclusion
- Discussion of SEN issues and inclusive practice arising from pupil-focused conversations
- Signposting to other services as part of Norfolk's Local Offer of support
Core Consultations can involve an individual school or a group of linked schools according to schools' priorities.
Evaluations from schools have been very positive with comments indicating a strengthening of schools' knowledge of SEND approaches and confidence in addressing the needs of pupils following a Core Consultation.
Some comments from SENDCos and Head Teachers :
"It was extremely helpful to have several experts on one call. The advice and support from experts on cognition and learning, ASD and SEMH looking at aspects of the whole child was amazing."
"A huge thank you to the professionals who attended the meeting. They have followed through with everything they promised or suggested."
"It was most helpful to have the ability to share concerns and put forward ideas for better working practices."
Next steps
To sign up for Core Consultation Meetings, please contact sandra.winter@norfolk.gov.uk.