Experts at Hand: making inclusion work in mainstream
Local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are now building their Experts at Hand offers. The government's guidance asks for support that is mainly group based, builds the skills of staff in mainstream settings, and adds to EHC plan provision rather than replacing it. That is how we have always worked.
We are educational psychologists. Since 2002 we have helped schools and services shift the focus from what a child finds hard to the people and systems around them, building their capacity to include, understand and support every child.
Talk to us about your Experts at Hand offer
How our work fits the guidance
Group and cohort based support: Circle of Adults, Circle of Friends, PATH and MAP are all group processes.
Building staff knowledge and skills: training, coaching and facilitator training, so the skills stay in your schools.
Delivery with an independent partner: we work alongside your educational psychology service, not instead of it.
Six ways we can help
1. EP consultation and problem solving
Regular consultation sessions for schools, structured group problem solving, understanding behaviour as communication, removing barriers to learning and taking part, and follow-up reviews.
2. Developing inclusive schools
A six or twelve month programme built on Keys to Inclusion: inclusive leadership, staff training and coaching, support for SENCOs and senior leaders, and a culture of belonging.
3. Circle of Adults
For when staff feel stuck. Facilitated sessions for children at risk of exclusion, a shared understanding of what is going on and practical next steps, and training for school-based facilitators. More about Circle of Adults
4. Early years (0 to 5)
Consultation in nurseries and early years settings, supporting communication, relationships and emotional wellbeing, alongside parents and practitioners.
5. Person centred planning and belonging
PATH and MAP, Circles of Friends, transitions, coming back after exclusion or absence, and families and professionals planning together.
6. Local authority and trust partnerships
Strategic EP consultancy, local inclusion frameworks, coaching for inclusion leads, and support for schools with high exclusion rates.
Self paced learning for your whole team
Training sticks when staff can go back to it. Our team licence gives up to 15 staff every online course for 12 months, with CPD certificates, for £1,250 a year including VAT. Many services combine it with in person training or facilitation. See team options
Learning on your own? Every online course for £25 a month, including VAT.
Funding
Experts at Hand funding is decided locally by your local authority and ICB. Please check with your commissioner which parts of our work fit your local arrangements. We're happy to help you shape a proposal.