Hall and Co. Educational Psychology Services

03/08/2026

Every summer, parents are encouraged to prepare their child for Reception by practising numbers, letters and writing. These experiences can certainly be valuable, but educational psychology encourages us to look beyond what children know and consider whether they are developmentally ready to access learning.

Starting school involves much more than learning phonics and maths. Children are adapting to new routines, separating from familiar adults, building friendships, communicating their needs and managing big emotions. All of these experiences place demands on working memory, which has a limited capacity.

When a child is using a great deal of mental energy simply coping with the school day, there is naturally less capacity available for new learning. This is one reason why emotional development, communication, independence and self-regulation are such important foundations. They are not separate from learning. They help make learning possible.

Rather than asking, “Can my child count to 100?”, perhaps a more helpful question is:

“Does my child have the emotional, social and developmental foundations that will help them make the most of everything they are about to learn?”

What do you think is the most important skill a child can develop before starting school?

31/07/2026

At Hall & Co Educational Psychology Services, led by Dr Sasha Hall, we very regularly contribute to wider professional and public discussions on child development, parenting and education through media, podcasts, training and educational engagement.

At Hall & Co Educational Psychology Services, we believe Educational Psychology has a role that extends beyond individual assessment and consultation.

Much of the support children receive in everyday life is shaped by the understanding and decisions of the adults around them.

For this reason, we feel it is important that psychological thinking about child development, attachment, emotional wellbeing and behaviour is accessible beyond professional reports.

Our focus remains on supporting children, families and schools through assessment, consultation and psychologically informed formulation.

Across all areas of work, the aim is consistent: to improve understanding of children’s needs and support the systems around them to respond more effectively.

24/07/2026

Professional supervision is one of the most valuable investments we can make in our practice.

Whether you are a newly qualified Educational Psychologist, an Assistant Educational Psychologist preparing for doctoral training, a locum EP, an independent practitioner or another HCPC-registered professional, supervision provides a dedicated space for reflection, professional growth and high-quality decision making.

At Hall & Co Educational Psychology Services, we offer supervision tailored to your professional needs.

Our psychologists bring extensive experience across Local Authority and independent practice, alongside expertise in EHCP needs assessments, SEND appeals, quality assurance, complex casework and service delivery.

Supervision can focus on case formulation, report writing, professional development, ethical decision making, tribunal work, assessment practice, consultation skills or simply providing a reflective space to think through your work.

Sessions are available on a weekly, fortnightly, monthly or half-termly basis depending on your requirements.

If you would like to find out more about our supervision services, please contact:

[email protected]

24/07/2026

22/07/2026

Educational Psychology assessments are not simply about identifying difficulties.

They are about understanding a child’s strengths, needs and experiences across all areas of their life.

A high-quality assessment combines information from multiple sources to develop a deeper understanding of what may be helping or hindering progress.

The goal is always to create recommendations that are practical, evidence-informed and meaningful.

20/07/2026

When adults think back to childhood summers, they rarely remember expensive activities.

They remember freedom.

They remember friendships.

They remember adventures.

Children do not need every day planned.

In fact, boredom often acts as the starting point for creativity and imagination.

Simple activities often provide the richest opportunities for development, connection and joy.

17/07/2026

Many parents contact us because they know their child is experiencing difficulties, but they are unsure what type of assessment would be most helpful.

At Hall & Co Educational Psychology Services, we offer a range of assessment options depending on your child’s needs and the questions you are hoping to answer.

Some families are looking for a broad understanding of their child’s strengths and needs across multiple areas of development.

Others may want to explore a specific concern such as learning, attention, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, social communication or school-related difficulties.

Our assessments are designed to provide meaningful insights, practical recommendations and a clearer understanding of how best to support your child moving forward.

If you are unsure which assessment would be most appropriate, please get in touch.

We would be happy to discuss the options available and help identify the most suitable pathway for your child and family.

For enquiries, please contact:

[email protected]

15/07/2026

When adults see play, they often see fun.

When psychologists see play, we see development.

Through play, children practise:

• Problem solving

• Creativity

• Language skills

• Social skills

• Emotional regulation

• Flexible thinking

• Physical coordination

Play is not a break from learning.

For young children, play is learning.

A child building a den, inventing a game or creating an imaginary world is developing skills that support lifelong learning.

13/07/2026

If your child is starting school this September, it can feel like a big milestone.

Many parents worry about reading, writing and numbers.

In reality, schools often tell us that independence skills are just as important.

Children benefit from being able to:

• Use the toilet independently

• Put on their own coat

• Recognise their belongings

• Follow simple instructions

• Manage short periods away from parents

Transition events can also be incredibly valuable, providing reassurance and helping children become familiar with their new environment.

10/07/2026

Educational Psychology is about far more than assessments.

Educational Psychologists use psychology, child development theory, research evidence and consultation skills to understand children’s strengths and needs.

At Hall & Co EPS we work with parents, schools and other professionals to identify practical ways to support children and young people.

Every recommendation should be tailored to the individual child and grounded in evidence, compassion and understanding.