The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) works in both primary and post-primary schools and is concerned with learning, behaviour, social and emotional development. The NEPS Psychologists work in partnership with teachers, parents and children in identifying educational needs. They offer a range of services aimed at meeting these needs, for example, supporting individual students through consultation and assessment, special projects and research.
NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum-based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties. The NEPS psychologist is available to offer consultation and advice at this stage in the process. Where the level of school intervention is not sufficient to address cases, these can be considered for escalation to direct involvement by the NEPS psychologist for intensive intervention.
NEPS also provides support to schools experiencing critical incidents.
Eligibility: All school going children identified as needing NEPS involvement
Referral: Referral by School Principal in consultation with parents.