The Psychological Service

The Psychological Service

Development Plan

2010-2013

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THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

1. PURPOSE, GOALS and VALUES

The PURPOSE of the Psychological Service is to improve the quality of life of the people of Clackmannanshire, particularly children and young people, by providing psychological services of the highest quality. The GOALS of the Psychological Service are to provide psychological services which contribute to the planning and delivery of: • Inclusive, universal services to children and young people. • Integrated, targeted, services which provide additional support to children and young people who need it. Clackmannanshire Council’s CORE VALUES will underpin all the work of the Psychological Service: • Commitment, Trust and Partnership • Openness and Accountability • Respect and Dignity • Equity, Fairness and Inclusion

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2. BACKGROUND IN LEGISLATION AND POLICY CONTEXT

The maintenance of a Psychological Service is a statutory duty of an education authority in the terms of the Education (Scotland) Act 1969 as amended by the Education (Scotland) Acts 1980 and 1981. Subsequent legislation, notably the Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act 2000, the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and the Education (Scotland) Acts 2004 and 2009, has had a major bearing on the functions of psychological services. Services are also strongly influenced by a number of Government policies and reports including For Scotland’s Children (2001); Curriculum for Excellence (2004); Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) (2005); Looked After Children: We Can and Must do Better (2007) and Early Years & Early Intervention (2008). The work of the Psychological Service supports the Scottish Government’s five Strategic Objectives aimed at making Scotland: Wealthier and Fairer Healthier Safer and Stronger Smarter Smarter Greener And its National Priorities for children, that they should be: Safe Healthy Achieving Nurtured Active Respected & Responsible Included

The Psychological Service will contribute to achieving the nine Priority Outcomes agreed by the Clackmannanshire Alliance which are

consistent with, complementary to and supportive of the outcomes in the National Performance Framework and which form part of Clackmannanshire Council’s Corporate Plan:

1 The area has a positive image and attracts people and business

2 Our Communities are more cohesive and inclusive. 3 People are better skilled, trained and ready for learning and employment

4 Our communities are safer. 5 Vulnerable people and families are supported. 6 Substance abuse and its effects are reduced.

7 Heath is improving and health inequalities are reducing. 8 The environment is protected and enhanced for all.

9 Public services are improving.

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3. THE FUNCTIONS OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE

The British Psychological Society states that, ‘The role of an educational psychologist has undergone considerable development throughout its brief history. Educational psychologists have moved away from a medical model, where the perceived problem was within the child. An ecological model is now used, which focuses on the interaction of children with their environment, curriculum, peers, and other relevant adults. The scope of work undertaken carried out by educational psychologists is extensive, covering mainstream and special sectors relating to learning, behaviour and development. Work is carried out with children and young people aged 0-24 years, parents and carers, educational establishments, education management, as well as a range of agencies, such as social work services.'

The Psychological Service operates at the three levels of:

CHILD AND FAMILY AGENCY, ESTABLISHMENT OR SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL AUTHORITY/ COUNCIL/ NATIONAL

The core functions of a Psychological Service were defined by the SEED Review of Provision of Educational Psychology Services in Scotland (2000) (The Currie Report) as:

CONSULTATION ASSESSMENT INTERVENTION TRAINING RESEARCH

Within Clackmannanshire, the Psychological Service is most often engaged through a process of Staged Intervention with potential users of the Service commissioning consultation which might, when necessary, lead on to assessment of the situation and, when required, intervention to bring about change. Users might also commission the Service to deliver training, following an agreed assessment of training needs. Most research is carried out as part of the on-going work of the Service and consists of the evaluation and validation of innovative methods of service delivery.

In all of its work, the Psychological Service will take account of the Quality Indicators used by HMIe in their inspection of Services QI Improvements in performance. Q2 Fulfilment of Statutory duties. Q3 Impact on children and young people. Q4 Impact on parents, carers and families. Q5 Impact on staff Q6 Impact on the local community. Q7 Impact on the wider community, Q8 Consultation and advice. Q9 Assessment. Q10 Intervention Q11 Provision of professional development and training for other groups including parents, teachers and health professionals. Q12 Research and strategic development. Q13 Inclusion, equality and fairness Q14 Policy development and review. Q15 Participation of stakeholders Q16 Operational planning. Q17 Partnership working. Q18 Leadership and direction Q19 Leadership of change and improvement

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4. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE AT PRESENT

The provision of a Psychological Service was made a statutory duty of a local authority by the Education (Scotland) Act 1969: the

Clackmannanshire Service was established in 1970. The Act defined the duty of the Psychological Service as being to provide a service

to children and young people from birth to 19 years of age, to their parents and to the professionals working with them: the upper age

limit has recently been increased to 24 years.

The staff of the Clackmannanshire Service presently comprises a Principal Psychologist, a Senior Psychologist (0.8)and 3.5 (fte) main-

grade educational psychologists. Also based within the service are staff who work with the Interventions for Recovery Project: ( 0.3

senior psychologist and 2 fte early years workers) , a transition co-ordinator, and 1.6 fte business support. The Principal Psychologist is

responsible to the Director of Services to people for all aspects of the management of the Service: responsibility for some specialist

duties is delegated to the Senior Psychologist.

The Psychological Service operates from a building in the centre of Alloa although most of its work is carried out elsewhere, in situations

convenient to its clientele, usually in schools, nurseries and Family Centres.

The work of the Psychological Service covers all the five functions referred to above. The majority of the work is commissioned by

headteachers and concerns children and young people in schools, particularly those who need additional support. Each school has a

designated psychologist. There is also a significant amount of work with very young children, from birth onwards, and a growing amount

of work with and relating to young people who are leaving, or have left, school, or moved into further education There is close

collaboration with other agencies including allied health professionals and the Child Care Service, the latter particularly concerning

looked after children and children who have been abused or neglected.

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The mainstream budget of the Service is provided by the Council as part of the budget of the Education Services. Other funding has

been successfully sought, however, through a variety of Government schemes e.g. European Social Fund, Big Lottery fund,

Regeneration Outcome Agreement funding, Social Inclusion Partnership. European Social Funding, currently funding The Interventions

Project services is available until end March 2011.

In recent years, the work of the Psychological Service has been influenced strongly by both the Currie Report and by the Education

(Scotland) Acts 2004 & 2009 which have changed the way in which the provision of support to children and young people is

conceptualised, abandoning the concept of 'special educational needs'. A much broader group of children are now regarded as needing

additional support. A knowledge of evidence based practice in psychology allows the Service to be involved in working in greater depth

in some areas, eg . with children and young people who have been abused or neglected or who have experienced trauma in other ways.

The Service has also promoted the use of innovative techniques in working with children who have e.g. autism spectrum disorders or

who have significant attachment difficulties.

Major changes in personnel over the last few years have ensured that the Service now has a majority of young, dynamic and enthusiastic

staff who are well equipped to continue its improvement and development in to the future.

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5. AIMS and OBJECTIVES

The current AIMS and OBJECTIVES of the Psychological Service have been identified as follows. Where necessary, OBJECTIVES are pursued through a number of SUB-OBJECTIVES.

AIM 1 To plan, develop and maintain policies, procedures and practices that will ensure the delivery of an appropriate

range of psychological services of the highest quality. Staff Objective (i) To maintain staff of the highest quality.

a) To recruit high quality staff.

b) To retain high quality staff.

c) To ensure that the professional competence of each member of staff is maintained at the highest

possible level and is underpinned by an up-to-date knowledge of psychological theory.

Policies, procedures and practice guidelines Objective (ii) To establish and maintain a comprehensive range of policies, procedures and practice guidelines.

a) To establish and maintain an appropriate set of policies and procedures.

b) To establish and maintain an appropriate set of practice guidelines to ensure consistency of

approach.

Quality Improvement

Objective (iii) To establish and maintain a rigorous quality improvement system.

a) To establish a rigorous system of self-evaluation.

b) To ensure that the Service learns from examples of good practice elsewhere.

c) To publish an annual improvement plan.

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Research and Development

Objective (iv) To establish and maintain a programme of research and development to ensure that innovative

methods of service delivery are developed and validated.

Marketing

Objective (v) To ensure that information about the work of the Psychological Service is easily accessible to

potential users.

AIM 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Work with policy makers

Objective (i) To support Clackmannanshire Council in all its work including the implementation of relevant

legislation and policGovernment y.

a) To provide a consultan servcy/advisory ice to Council managers on all relevant topics.

b) To assess appropriate situations so as to inform the advice offered.

c) To intervene directly to facilitate the work of the Council.

d) To provide trappropriate aining for all council employees.

e) To undertake toresearch inform Council decision making.

Work with agencies

Objective (ii) To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services to all professionals, agencies and

establishm workients ng with children and young people.

a) To provide a consultan secy/advisory rvice to professionals, agencies and

establishments on all relevant topics and to facilitate joint working.

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b) To carry out training needs assessments and offer advice based on the information produced.

c) To intervene as appropriate to improve the work of professionals, agencies and

establishments.

d) To provide trappropriate aining for other professionals and the employees of agencies and

establishments.

e) To undertake research to improve the work of professionals, agencies and

establishments.

Work with children and families

Objective (iii) To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services to children, young people and families.

a) To provide a consultan secy/advisory rvice to children, young people and families.

b) To assess the needs of children, young people and families so as to inform the advice offered.

c) To intervene as appropriate to help and support children, young people and families

d) To provide trainiappropriate ng for children, young people and families.

e) To undertake research to improve the work carried out directly with children, young people and

families.

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ACTION PLAN 2010 to 2013

The Psychological Service will attempt to achieve its objectives by undertaking the tasks described in detail in the following pages. The list of tasks will be revised annually.

Tasks shaded purple are those which form part of the Service's core remit.

They will recur ever year, possibly altered following review.

Tasks shaded yellow have a set target or a timescale for their completion. Following their completion, they might form part of the Service's core remit in the future.

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Aim 1 To plan, develop and maintain policies, procedures and practices that will ensure the delivery of an appropriate range of psychological services of the highest quality. Objective (i) To recruit and retain staff of the highest quality. Sub-Objective (a) To recruit high quality staff.

Task QI By whom Target Outcome 1 Promote Service nationally and locally e.g. conferences, publications, links with the post-grad courses, range of publicity materials.

6 7

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All staff Ongoing

Clackmannanshire Psychological Service is chosen ahead of others by high quality psychologists.

2 Clarify on each occasion the skills/knowledge required from appointees.

5 Princ Psych

Ongoing

New staff fill gaps in the Service's port-folio

3 Develop skills in drafting advertisements that attract suitable candidates.

5 Princ Psych

Sept 2010 Adequate short-list of candidates for every post.

4 Make sure information on vacancies comes to knowledge of suitable applicants.

5 Princ Psych

Ongoing

No one who is very suitable misses the opportunity to apply for a post.

5 Follow Council selection procedures.

2 Princ Psych

Ongoing

Selection process is effective, efficient, transparent and fair.

6 Develop recruitment skills i.e. interviewing etc.

5 Princ Psych

Sept 2010 So far as is possible. high quality staff are routinely selected.

7 Ensure an adequate induction programme is in place to ensure new recruits feel welcome, included and clear about their remit.

5 Princ Psych All staff

Ongoing

New staff quickly feel part of the Clackmannanshire service.

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Aim 1 To plan, develop and maintain policies, procedures and practices that will ensure the delivery of an appropriate range of psychological services of the highest quality.

Objective (i) To maintain staff of the highest quality. Sub-objective (b) To retain high quality staff.

Task QI By Whom Target /Timescale Outcome 1 Ensure that each

member of staff feels valued and supported.


Ongoing

Staff turn-over is very low.

2 Ensure manager is readily available to all staff for

advice and support.

5 8

19

Princ Psych Ongoing

Staff report feeling supported.

3 Ensure transparently fair distribution of tasks and

resources.

13 18

Princ Psych Ongoing

Staff report thinking management is clear and transparent.

4 Ensure team-building events take place.


Ongoing Events scheduled as

required

Clear existence of a team identity and loyalty.

5 Ensure all staff have access to regular support/supervision

5 18 19

Princ Psych All staff

Ongoing Staff feel supported

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Objective (i) To maintain staff of the highest quality. Sub-Objective (c) To ensure that the professional competence of each member of staff is maintained at the

highest possible level and is underpinned by an up-to-date knowledge of psychological theory.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Continue practice of 3 monthly supervision sessions with principal psychologist, monthly peer supervision and annual PRD review

5 18 19


Ongoing Schedule of meetings agreed each year

Each member of staff supported to identify training needs and plan CPD.

2 Maintain Princ Psych quality assurance measures of report and case notes checking, commissions etc.

1 Princ Psych

Ongoing

Each member of staff supported to identify training needs and plan CPD. Common positive standard of work achieved across service

3 Each member of staff has a CPD plan, annually reviewed and up-dated.

1 5


Ongoing Plans in place by end Sept each year

CPD resources used cost effectively Individual CPD plans fit in to overall development needs of Service. Each staff member undertakes CPD as effectively as possible.

4 Ensure access is available to training based on development needs identified in CPD plans.

1 5

Princ Psych Ongoing

CPD plans not restricted unduly by lack of resources.

5 Range of CPD activities available within Service e.g. Seminars, Twilight etc.

1 5


Ongoing Flexible programme agreed by end Sept each year

Service benefits from sharing skills and knowledge.

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6 Ensure staff have 1 Princ Psych Ongoing Service development is promoted by ensuring continuous access to quality resources 5 All staff input of new knowledge and skills. including access to recent publications. 7 Ensure resources 1 Princ Psych Ongoing Service development is promoted by ensuring continuous available to permit staff to 5 input of new knowledge and skills. access external training events, conferences, etc. 8 Staff identify and 1 All staff Ongoing Service continuously develops to encompass up-to-date undertake training options 5 knowledge and skills based on agreed CPD need. Staff feel they are being supported to develop their

knowledge and skills .

9 Staff development 1 Princ Psych Ongoing All CPD plans followed effectively. reviewed/monitored through 5 Sen Psych discussion of CPD plan at supervision sessions. 10 Peer supervision 1 Princ Psych Ongoing All staff feel supported in identifying their training needs. available to support staff in 5 All staff Peers identified by identifying development end Aug each year needs. 11 Continue service 1 All staff Ongoing All staff able to access advice as needed practice of open access to 5 peer consultation. 12 Maintain regular 1 Princ Psych Ongoing Service CPD plan is mare effective because it constantly psychologist meetings and 5 All staff develops through discussion among all staff. allow time on the agenda for 16 CPD issues.

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Objective (ii) To establish and maintain a comprehensive range of policies, procedures and practice guidelines. Sub-objective (a) To establish and maintain an appropriate set of policies and procedures.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Make sure all staff are aware of the Council's procedures contained within COIN.

2 18


Ongoing Princ Psych ensures this is included in induction

All staff know how to access COIN and are aware of the procedures contained there.

2 Use psychologist meetings to identify specific areas of work that would benefit from being covered by specific procedures.

5 1819


Ongoing

All staff contribute to identifying all areas of work that require set procedures to be established.

3 Produce specific procedures to cover appropriate areas of the Psychological Service's work.

1819


Ongoing

Staff are aware of, and follow, procedures covering all appropriate areas of work.

4 Produce and maintain an up-to-date manual of procedures which is kept under continuous review and is easily accessible by all staff.

18 19


Complete review of procedures by end Sept each year

All staff are aware of, and follow, current procedures particularly the ways in which they reflect changes in legislation, policy and practice.

5 Identify areas of the Service's work that require Service policies to be established.

141819


Ongoing

Clear view of what needs to be covered by a Service policy.

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6 effeStaged Intervention.

Support schools in the ctive implementation of

8 All staff Ongoing

Schools will invite appropriate agencies to reviews and record their contributions, recommendations etc. Where appropriate IEPs will have relevant targets set with involvement from other agencies.

7 requdisc

Establish policies as ired through consultation/ ussion with all staff.

14161819


Ongoing

Comprehensive list of policies in place.

8 Review current procedures which relate to collaboration with other agencies and revise them as required.

171819

Princ Psych Ongoing as indicated by events. Comprehensive review of these procedures by end Sept each year

There is an increase in effective joint working

9 Liaise with other agencies to ensure that their procedures reflect agreed joint working arrangements and are being adhered to.

1517

Princ Psych End Sept each year Procedures relating to joint working are adhered to.

10 ensujoint

Develop systems to re procedures relating to working are adhered to.

1517

Princ Psych End Dec 2010 Improvements in adherence to procedures relating to joint working.

11 Work with the Child Care Service to make the procedures and practices relating to adoption and fostering are more collaborative and more effectively reflect the principals of child development.

1517

Princ Psych Children, particularly very young children, are settled more quickly in to adequately supported adoptive or foster families.

17

12 Work with other agencies to develop and maintain a system of joint working consistent with Government policy and guidance as described in GIRFEC.

2 1517

Princ Psych End June 2011 New joint working arrangements are consistent with GIRFEC but also take account of the existing systems where they already work well, and of the principals of child development.

13 Ensure all involved agencies agree to adhere to the agreed framework for the assessment and diagnosis of children with ASD.

1517

Princ Psych

designated psychologist

End June 2011 Framework operates as intended and agreed.

14 the ethe w

Service contributes to valuation and revision of ork of CEAT.

3 4 121517

Princ Psych

designated psychologist

End Dec 2010 CEAT operates more effectively as measured by regular feedback from parents and professionals.

15 agenthe w

Work with other cies to review and revise ork of JALG.

3 4 121517

Princ Psych

End June 2011 JALGp operates more effectively.

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Objective (ii) To establish and maintain a comprehensive range of policies, procedures and practice guidelines. Sub-objective (b) To establish and maintain an appropriate set of practice guidelines to ensure consistency of approach.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Identify areas of work where consistency of approach is essential e.g. Dyslexia, ASD.

1 3 4 5


Dec 2010 Agreement reached as to which areas require a consistency of approach.

2 Establish short life working groups with responsibility for development and review of particular practice guidelines.

1 3 4 5


June 2010 Working Groups ready to start work in Jan 2011

3 Agree practice guidelines in areas identified.

1 3 4 5


June 2011 Practice guidelines in place for identified areas and they promote a consistency of approach.

4 For each guideline produced, designate a member of staff to ensure that it is kept up-to-date through discussion/consultation with all staff.

1 3 4 5


June 2011 Each practice guideline is kept under review

5 Revise each practice guideline annually

1 3 4 5

Princ Psych Designated staff

Ongoing All practice guidelines are up-to-date.

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Objective (iii) To establish and maintain a rigorous quality improvement system. Sub-objective (a) To establish a rigorous system of self-evaluation.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Maintain a Self Evaluation Calendar detailing all the ways in which the Service evaluates the quality of its work.

1 Princ Psych Ongoing

The service is clear about its quality assurance system.

2 Undertake all the self evaluation activities listed at the times indicated by the Calendar.


Ongoing

The quality of service delivered continuously evaluated.

3 Carry out research into new self-evaluation activities that might be added to the calendar so as to improve the input from parents and other professionals.

1 12

Princ Psych

June 2011 Views of parents and other professionals are taken into account to a greater extent in the planning process.

4 Carry out an annual review of each of the specific activities included in the calendar and revise them.

1 12


By Aug each year The quality assurance system takes account of any changes in service delivery and also of any developments in methods of evaluation. It uses up-to-date techniques.

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Objective (iii) To establish and maintain a rigorous quality improvement system. Sub-objective (b) To ensure that the Service learns from examples of good practice elsewhere.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Maintain close contact with other Psychological Services and be aware of specific developments there.

1 All staff Ongoing

Any development elsewhere is considered for replication in Clackmannanshire.

2 Attend conferences etc. so as to be aware of new developments.

1 All staff Ongoing

Service in Clackmannanshire is informed by up-to-date information.

3 Ensure staff CPD plans recognise need to keep up-to-date in designated fields.

1 5


End Sept each year Service in Clackmannanshire is informed by up-to-date information.

4 Journals available, and read, to provide up-to-date information.

1 5


Ongoing

Service in Clackmannanshire is informed by up-to-date information.

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Objective (iii) To establish and maintain a rigorous quality improvement system. Sub-objective (c) To publish an annual improvement plan.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Determine appropriate content of annual improvement plan.

1 Princ Psych March 2011 Established format for report facilitates its production.

2 Develop procedures to collect the necessary information.

1 Princ Psych April 2011 Routine collection of data facilitates planning.

3 Ensure close links between Improvement Plan and self-evaluation activities.

1 Princ Psych April each year Improvement plan demonstrates Service's willingness to change/improve where indicated by customer/client feedback.

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Objective (iv) To establish and maintain a programme of research and development to ensure that innovative

methods of service delivery are developed and validated.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Maintain links with universities.

111517


Ongoing Review Aug 2011

Access secured to new sources of research expertise Regular placements offered & used effectively

2 Maintain research group


Ongoing

Research projects undertaken in appropriate areas. The professionalism and ethics of all research undertaken is assured.

3 Ensure other appropriate agencies are aware of Service's research capability.

1217


Aug 2011 Research undertaken in partnership with or on behalf of other agencies is brought to more general notice.

4 Promote research function of service through leaflets and five functions document.

1217


Sept 2011 General awareness of Service's research function.

5 Ring fence research time for all staff.

5 12

Princ Psych

Ongoing Review July 2011

Small scale research projects completed

6 Continue to offer placement opportunities for others undertaking research.

121517


Ongoing

Service benefits from input from trainees

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Objective (v) To ensure that information about the work of the Psychological Service is easily accessible to potential users.

Task QI By whom Target Outcome 1 Provide appropriate range of leaflets which are reviewed and revised as necessary and ensure their effective distribution.

2 3 6 7


Ongoing Review by June 2011

Responses to questionnaires indicate that leaflets are known and used.

2 Develop and maintain effective system for monitoring the distribution of leaflets and newsletter.

2 3 6 7

Princ Psych

June 2011 Relevant establishments and information points will have an adequate supply of leaflets & newsletters on display, requesting more when required.

3 Develop a newsletter to be distributed in appropriate establishments

2 3 6 7


Dec 2011 Service users are familiar with the Service's work through the newsletters.

4 Maintain the Service's section of ClacksWeb with up-to-date information.

2 3 6 7

Princ Psych

annually in December

Service users report that information about the Service was easily available.

5 Ensure that the Development Plan is made easily available.

2 3 6 7

Princ Psych

Dec 2010 Responses to questionnaires etc. indicate a general awareness of the Service's roles and functions

6 Continue to contribute to Council newsletters

2 3 6 7

All staff Ongoing

The general public are more aware of the Service's roles and functions

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7 Advertise easy access to an open consultation service to

4 All staff Dec 2010 Increased parent attendance at open consultation.

parents. 8 Offer open consultation service to other professionals

17 All staff Dec 2011 Other professionals make effective use of a drop-in consultation service.

9 Identify the agencies likely to require services from the Psychological Service.

17 All staff June 2011 List of possible customer agencies in place.

10 agenposs

Determine to which cies it would be ible to deliver services.

17 All staff Nov 2011 Effective use of total psychologist time available.

11 Circulate to appropriate agencies documentation describing the services the Service could provide.

17 Princ Psych Dec 2011 All appropriate agencies aware of what they could receive from the Psychological Service.

12 Visit appropriate agencies to discuss services Psychological Service could provide.


Feb 2012 Contact made with all appropriate agencies.

13 Allocate an appropriate amount of psychologist time to each school.

5 17

Princ Psych June each year Schools know at the beginning of the session how much psychologist time is available to them

14 In the case of schools, negotiate Psychological Service work for the coming session.

5 17

All staff Aug each year All psychologists and headteachers clear about what services will be provided.

15 In the case of the Child Care Services, negotiate a framework of collaborative working.

5 17

Princ Psych Sen Psych

March 2011 Both Services aware of the framework of collaboration and have procedures and practices in place to facilitate its operation.

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Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (i) To support Clackmannanshire Council in all its work including the implementation of relevant legislation and Government policy. Sub-objective (a) To provide a consultancy/advisory service to Council managers on all relevant topics.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Advise Senior Managers in Education Service regarding implementation of relevant legislation and guidance.

2 6 8

19

Princ Psych Ongoing

Services provided to children and families are consistent with current legislation and guidance.

2 Support the Authority in the delivery of training relating to relevant legislation and guidance.

2 6

11 19

All staff Ongoing Schedule of training in place by Aug each year.


3 Contribute to the development and delivery of training in relation to ASL Acts.

2 6

11 19

All staff Ongoing as agreed


4 Support schools in implementation of ASL Acts.

2 6

11 19

All staff Ongoing

Psychologists and the Access Officer routinely attend SI reviews and contribute to IEP's and CSP's

5 Support the Child Care Service in its work in terms of the legislation and guidance relating to looked after children.

2 6

11 19

All staff Ongoing

Services provided to children and families are consistent with the terms of the Children's Act and with subsequent guidance.

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6 Assist the Council in the development of practices and procedures as required by GIRFEC.

2 6

14 15 17 19

Princ Psych June 2011 System of assessment and planning in place to meet children's needs which is consistent with the requirements of GIRFEC

7 Advise/assist the Council in meeting the terms of other legislation relating to the care and education of children and young people.

2 6 8

11 14 19

Princ Psych Ongoing

Council are as well informed as possible.

8 Staff attend government led information/training meetings as appropriate and disseminate the information.

2 6 8

11

All staff Ongoing

All staff have an increased knowledge of current, relevant, government policy.

9 Contribute to Clackmannanshire working groups developing responses to relevant policy frameworks.

2 6 8

14 19

All staff Ongoing

There is a distinct Psychological Service contribution to the Council's responses to government policy.

10 Develop training materials and deliver training related to government initiatives/policy frameworks.

6 11 19

All staff Ongoing Schedule of training in place by Aug each year.

Staff are available to deliver training related to government initiatives/policy frameworks.

27

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (i) To support Clackmannanshire Council in all its work including the implementation of relevant legislation and Government policy. Sub-objective (b) To assess appropriate situations so as to inform the advice offered.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Staff attend government led information/training meetings as appropriate and disseminate the information.

5 11 12 14 19

All staff Ongoing

All staff have an increased knowledge of current, relevant, government policy.

2 Read all relevant government reports and publications to determine what role the Service can play.

5 11 12 14 19

Princ Psych

All staff

Ongoing

All staff well informed about Services role in implementing Government policy

28

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (i) To support Clackmannanshire Council in all its work including the implementation of relevant legislation and Government policy. Sub-objective (c) To intervene directly to facilitate the work of the Council.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Provide limited short term counselling service for Council staff

10 All staff Ongoing Council staff made aware of this service by Sept 2011

Proportion of Council staff experiencing stress are able to access counselling.

2 Provide training in relevant topics e.g. management of stress

11 Designated staff

Ongoing Council staff made aware of this service by Sept 2012

Relevant training courses available to Council employees.

29

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (i) To support Clackmannanshire Council in all its work including the implementation of relevant legislation and Government policy. Sub-objective (d) To provide appropriate training for council employees.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Contribute to Clackmannanshire working groups developing responses to relevant policy frameworks.

12 16 19

All staff Ongoing

There is a distinct Psychological Service contribution to the Council's responses to government policy.

2 Develop training materials and deliver training related to government reports, initiatives, policy frameworks.

11 19

All staff Ongoing

Staff are available to deliver training related to government initiatives/policy frameworks.

30

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (i) To support Clackmannanshire Council in all its work including the implementation of relevant legislation and Government policy. Sub-objective (e) To undertake research to inform Council decision making.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Design and carry out research projects to inform its advice to the Council.

12 13 19

All staff Ongoing

Advice to Council is well-informed

2 Replicate research carried out elsewhere to ensure its applicability to Clackmannanshire.

12 All staff Ongoing

Ensure new knowledge applies to the Clackmannanshire situation.

31

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (ii) To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services to all professionals, agencies and establishments working with children and young people. Sub-objective (a) To provide a consultancy/advisory service to professionals, agencies and establishments on all relevant topics and to facilitate joint working.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Deliver a consultancy/ advisory service to each educational establishment.

8

All staff Ongoing Service reviewed June each year.

Close link established with every educational establishment.

2 Deliver a consultancy/ advisory service to each Family Centre.

8 Designated staff

Ongoing Service reviewed June each year.

Close link established with each Family Centre.

3 Establish a consultancy/ advisory service with the Child Care Service

8 All staff June 2011 Close link established with the Child Care Service.

4 Establish a consultancy/ advisory service with Adult Social Work Services

8 Designated staff

June 2011 Close link established with adult social work services.

5 Provide consultancy/ advisory services to other agencies as required.

8 All staff Ongoing Service reviewed June each year

Quality of provision made by a wide range of agencies improved by Psychological Service consultancy/ advisory services

6 Recommend use of innovative methods of service delivery.

8 19

All staff Ongoing

Services delivered by other agencies reflect current developments and research findings .

7 Recommend how services delivered might more specifically meet the needs of the children/ young people.

8 19

All staff Ongoing

Children/young people’s needs are more specifically met.

32

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (ii) To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services to all professionals, agencies and establishments working with children and young people. Sub-objective (b) To carry out training needs assessments and offer advice based on the information produced.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Training needs analysis carried out in educational establishments on request.

9 17 19

All staff in conjunction with QIO

Ongoing Service advertised Dec 2011

Educational establishments better aware of their training needs.

2 Offer advice to establishment to assist in the drawing up of a training programme.

8 19

All staff in conjunction with QIO

Ongoing Service advertised Dec 2011

Educational establishments

33

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (ii) To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services to all professionals, agencies and establishments working with children and young people. Sub-objective (c) To intervene as appropriate to improve the work of professionals, agencies and establishments.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Provide support to staff through periods of change/transition.

8 10 17 18 19

All staff Ongoing Service advertised Dec 2011

Staff feel better supported

2 Facilitate discussions among the staff of agencies/ establishments

8 10

All staff Ongoing Service advertised Dec 2011

Quality of discussion within agencies/ establishments improves.

34

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (ii) To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services to all professionals, agencies and establishments working with children and young people. Sub-objective (d) To provide appropriate training for other professionals and the employees of agencies and establishments.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 With each educational establishment, determine how the Psychological Service can contribute to training.

11 17

All staff Ongoing See task 1(v)14 above

Psychologist’s time used effectively. Psychologist’s expertise shared effectively.

2 Establish and maintain a Service Portfolio of available training to facilitate above discussion.

11 All staff Dec 2011 Required training courses readily available.

3 Provide appropriate training to staff of Family Centres.


Family Centre staff more aware of child development and other relevant issues.

4 Provide appropriate training to Child Care Staff.


Child Care staff more aware of child development and other relevant issues.

5 Provide appropriate training to other Council employees.

11 All staff Ongoing See tasks 2(i)(c)2 &3(i)(d)3 above

Council benefits from provision of range of training courses.

6 Provide appropriate training to foster carers.


Foster carers more aware of child development and other relevant issues.

35

7 Develop training on 11 All staff Ongoing Heightened awareness of implications of new legislation. relevant aspects of the new 19 legislation and deliver to all appropriate professionals, parents carers etc. 8 Seek opportunities to 11 All staff Ongoing Training delivered with other agencies. deliver training collaboratively with other agencies.

36

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (ii) To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services to all professionals, agencies and establishments working with children and young people. Sub-objective (e) To undertake research to improve the work of professionals, agencies and establishments.

Task QI Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Evaluate effect of innovative methods of curriculum delivery as required

12 17 19

All staff Ongoing Service advertised March 2011 See task 1(v)14 above

Changes in methods of delivery become more evidence based.

2 Evaluate new areas of the curriculum as required.

12 17 19

All staff Ongoing Service advertised March 2011 See task 1(v)14 above

Development of new areas of the curriculum becomes more evidence based.

37

Aim 2 To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services. Objective (iii) To deliver an appropriate range of psychological services to children, young people and

families. Sub-objective (a) To provide a consultancy/advisory service to children, young people and families.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Provide a consultancy/ advisory service to children and young people as commissioned by an agency working with them

3 8

13

All staff Ongoing

Young people benefit from service provided.

2 Provide easy opportunities for children/ young people to commission a consultancy/ advisory service for themselves.

3 8

13

All staff New opportunities determined by Sept 2011

Young people benefit from accessing Psychological Service directly.

3 Provide a consultancy/ advisory service to parents/carers as commissioned by them.

3 4 8

13

All staff Ongoing

Parents/carers benefit from accessing Psychological Service directly.

4 Maintain availability of 'Drop-In' service at strategic points in Clackmannanshire where parents/carers can receive a consultancy/ advisory service.

3 4 8

13

All staff Ongoing

Parents/carers benefit from accessing Psychological Service directly at a Drop-In Service.

38


families. Sub-objective (b) To assess the needs of children, young people and families so as to inform the advice offered.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome I Ensure staff are trained and, where necessary, accredited, to carry out a comprehensive range of assessments.

5 9 13

Princ Psych

Ongoing At least on member of staff is able to carry out any required assessment.

2 Ensure resources are in place to enable any required assessment to be carried out.

9 13

Princ Psych

Ongoing Resources are in place to enable any required assessment to be carried out.

3 Assess the needs of children and young people as commissioned by the agencies working with them

3 9 13 17

All staff Ongoing

Needs of children and young people identified for them and the agencies working with them

4 Assess the needs of children and young people as commissioned by themselves.

3 9 13

All staff Ongoing

Needs of children and young people identified for them.

5 Assess and identify Source of difficulties within families.

3 4 9 13

All staff Ongoing

Families function better

39

6 Contribute to 3 Designated Service ready to be Child Care Service better informed in making their assessment of capacity of 4 staff advertised April 2011 decisions. parents/carers to care for a 9 child 13

17 7 Needs and 3 All staff Ongoing Young people more likely to find appropriate post-school aspirations of young people 9 provision. who are deemed likely to 13 need additional support after leaving school education assessed.

40


families. Sub-objective (c) To intervene as appropriate to help and support children, young people and families

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Ensure that staff are trained, and where necessary accredited to carry out a comprehensive range of therapeutic interventions.

3 5 10

Princ Psych Ongoing At least one member of staff is trained, and where necessary accredited, to carry out any required therapeutic intervention.

2 Ensure that a system of supervision is in place to support the delivery of therapy.

3 5 10 18

Princ Psych Ongoing Each member of staff engaged in the delivery of therapy is supported by regular supervision.

3 Ensure that resources, including staffing resources, are in place to enable the delivery of therapy as required.

3 5

Princ Psych Ongoing The Service is able to deliver therapy to children, young people and families as reuired.

4 Provide a programme of therapeutic intervention to individual children and young people

3 13

All staff Ongoing

Children and young people benefit from the provision of therapy.

5 Provide a programme of therapeutic intervention to children and parents/carers

3 4 13

All staff Ongoing

Families benefit from the provision of therapy.

6 Provide range of group therapy techniques to schools and other establishments.

3 17

All staff Ongoing

Children/young people benefit from the application of group therapy techniques

41


families. Sub-objective (d) To provide appropriate training for children, young people and families.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Develop a service to establish with children and young people their training needs.

3 9

All staff Dec 2011 Agreement with children concerning their training needs.

2 Develop a service to establish with parents /families their training needs.

3 4

All staff Dec 2011 Agreement with parents/families concerning their training needs.

3 Collaboratively, develop appropriate training to meet the needs of children, young people and families.

3 4

11 13

All staff August 2012 Appropriate training available as required.

42


families. (e) To undertake research to improve the work carried out directly with children, young people and families.

Task QI By whom Target / Timescale Outcome 1 Ensure therapeutic approaches referred to in 2(iii)(c) above are routinely evaluated

1 1219

All staff Ongoing

Service can demonstrate effective intervention .

2 Design and carry out research projects aimed at the development of improved ways of involving parents, children and young people in the Service's planning processes.

121315

Princ Psych June 2011 Services delivered to children, young people and their parents are more appropriate and are better targeted.

43

HOW THE TASKS RELATE TO THE QUALITY INDICATORS Q1 Improvements in performance Q11 Provision of professional development and

training for other groups including parents, teachers and health professionals

1(i)c2 - 12; 1(ii)b1 - 5; 1(iii)a1 - 4; 1(iii)b1 - 4; 1(iv)1; 2(i)a2 - 5&7,8,10; 2(i)b1&2; 2(i)c2; 2(i)d2; 1(iii)c1 - 3; 2(iii)e1; 2(ii)d1 - 8; 2(iii)d3; Q2 Fulfilment of statutory duties Q12 Research and strategic development 1(i)a5; 1(ii)a1&12; 1(v)1 - 6; 2(i)a1 - 9; 1(ii)a14&15; 1(iii)a3&4; 1(iv)4 - 6; 2(i)b1&22(i)d1; 2(i)e1&2; 2(ii)e1&2; 2(iii)e1 Q3 Impact on children and young people Q13 Inclusion, equality and fairness 1(ii)a14&15; 1(ii)b1 - 5; 1(v)1 - 6; 2(iii)a1 - 4 1(i)b3; 2(i)e1; 2(ii)a1 - 4; 2(iii)b1 - 7; 2(iii)c4&5; 2(iii)c1 - 4; 2(iii)d1 - 3; 2(iii)d3; 2(iii)e1; Q4 Impact on parents, carers and families Q14 Policy development and review 1(ii)a14&15; 1(ii)b1 - 5; 2(ii)a3&4; 2(iii)e5; 1(ii)a5&7; 2(i)a6,7&9; 2(i)b1&2; 2(iii)d2&3; Q5 Impact on staff Q15 Participation of stakeholders 1(i)a2 - 4,6&7; 1(i)b1,2,4&5; 1(i)c1,3 - 12; 1(ii)a2; 1(i)a1; 1(ii)a9,10&12 - 15; 1(iv)b1&6; 2(i)a6; 1(ii)b1 - 5; 1(iii)b3 - 5; 1(iv)5; 1(v)13 - 15; 2(iii)e1; 2(i)b1&2; 2(iii)b1; 2(iii)c1 - 3; Q6 Impact on the local community Q16 Operational planning 1(i)a1; 1(v)1 - 6; 2(i)a1 - 10; 1(i)c12; 1(ii)a7; 2(i)d1; Q7 Impact on the wider community Q17 Partnership working 1(i)a!; 1(v)1 - 7; 1(ii)a8 - 12 & 13 - 15; 1(iv)1,3,4&6; 1(v)8 - 15 2(i)a6; 2(i)b1; 2(ii)b1; 2(ii)d1; 2(ii)e1&2; 2(iii)b3&6; 2(iii)c6; Q8 Consultation and advice Q18 Leadership and direction 1(i)b2; 1(ii)a6; 2(i)a1; 2(ii)1 - 7; 2(ii)b1&2; 1(i)b3&5; 1(i)c1; 1(ii)a11 - 5,7&8; 2(iii)c1&2 2(iii)a1 - 4; Q9 Assessment Q19 Leadership of change and improvement 2(ii)b1; 2(iii)b1 - 7; 2(iii)d1 1(i)b2&5; 1(i)c1; 1(ii)2a2 - 5,7&8; 2(I)a1 - 7,9&10; 2(i)b1&2; 2(i)d1&2; 2(i)e1; 2(ii)a6&7; 2(ii)b!&2; 2(ii)c1; 2(ii)d7; 2(ii)e1&2; 2(iii)e1 Q10 Intervention 2(i)c1; 2(i)d2; 2(ii)b1&2; 2(iii)c1&2

44

HOW THE TASKS RELATE TO CLACKMANNANSHIRE'S PRIORITY OUTCOMES 1 The area has a positive image and attracts people and business. The Psychological Service's continuous self evaluation has shown that it has a positive image with parents and professionals: this was confirmed by HMIe in their recent inspection of the Service. The Service makes a major contribution to Clackmannanshire's enviable reputation as a provider of education to those children and young people who need additional support: many of the structures and arrangements now in existence were originally developed by and within the Psychological Service (see 9 below). There is evidence that families have been attracted into the area because these additional support services are available. 2 Our communities are more cohesive and inclusive. The Psychological Service supports the policy for the inclusion in their local mainstream schools of children with additional support needs, unless that is clearly not in their best interests, and has made a major contribution to developing the support services necessary to facilitate this. The Service also provides an on-going programme of in-service training to support mainstream schools in making additional support available. It is a priority for the Psychological Service to encourage and facilitate joint working with its partner agencies so that users experience a more cohesive service delivery. This has led to the development of CEAT and the Joint Authority Liaison Group (JALG) and to a range of practices and procedures aimed at promoting close and collaborative working with other agencies, particularly the Child Care Service and Health Board. The Service also developed the concept of a Transition Co-ordinator. 3 People are better skilled, trained and ready for learning and employment. The Psychological Service recognised many years ago that a smooth transition from school to adulthood, with appropriate passing on of information and with close liaison between the children's and adult providers is essential to maximise the likelihood that a young person will move on to appropriate education, training or employment. With this end in view, the Service developed the post of ‘Transition Co-ordiantor’. The Transition Co-ordinator is central to ensuring that a smooth transition takes place. The Service was chosen. In 2004, to receive funding from the Government to extend the upper age limit of its clients from 19 to 24 years. This gave it an opportunity to develop new and innovative services and processes in the area of school to adulthood transition. For example, the Service convened the Transition Forum, a group of professionals from all the involved agencies who come together to discuss issues relevant to transition, as well as , together with neighbouring psychological services, developing and delivering training for local providers of further education In another field, the Service was closely involved in planning and developing Alloa Academy's Extended Learning Support facility which is successfully integrating young people with severe learning difficulties into a mainstream school and ensuring that they develop the skills needed to improve the quality of their lives in the future. 4 Our communities are safer. Research undertaken by the Psychological Service, later replicated in other Scottish Local Authorities, has confirmed that, especially in areas of social deprivation, a sizeable minority of children and young people have experiences which traumatise them. Many need help to aid recovery. In response to this, the Service has developed new and innovative ways of helping children and young people who have experienced trauma, including providing training to other professionals, particularly in schools, to help them work with these children.

45

Government funding has also been sourced to enable the Service to extend this work to adults. Successful intervention with traumatised children and young people can lead to an increase in their feelings of emotional safety. 5 Vulnerable people and families are supported. Most of the Psychological Service’s work is with children and young people who are vulnerable and who will need additional support if they are to realise their potential . This duty extends not only to those who have learning, communication or physical difficulties or sensory impairments but also to those who have social or emotional problems. The Service contributes to a detailed assessment of their needs and helps plan the services that will ensure those needs are met. The Service also provides therapeutic interventions, using up-to-date, evidence-based techniques, to mitigate the effect of those difficulties (see 7 below). 6 Substance misuse and its effects are reduced. The Psychological Service works alongside other professionals to provide help and support to children and young people who are misusing substances. Therapeutic work will in some cases help to reduce the underlying emotional difficulties which may have given rise to substance misuse. The Service is also involved, through its work in managing CEAT, in the early identification of young children who are effected by foetal alcohol syndrome, or other conditions related to substance misuse by their mothers during pregnancy, and in planning services for them. 7 Health is improving and health inequalities are reducing. Proportionately, significantly fewer children and young people from Clackmannanshire are referred the Child and Family Mental Health Services than from other areas in Forth Valley . It is very likely that this is due to the therapeutic work which the Psychological Service undertakes with children and young people (including the work referred to in 4 & 5 above) which minimises the need for people to seek medical help by providing support for them in dealing with their social or emotional difficulties. 9 Public Services are improving. The Psychological Service has a robust self-evaluation process which was commented on favourably by HMIe in the report on their recent inspection of the Service. A calendar of self-evaluation measures is strictly adhered to. Views, sought from a range of stakeholders, contribute to guiding the Service’s planning. The effectiveness of the Services work is also measured, although it is acknowledged that the impact of some of improvements that the Service brings about are not readily or immediately measurable. The Psychological Service has also made a major contribution to the development of services to provide additional support to children and young people who need it. Many of the structures and arrangements now in existence were originally developed by and within the Psychological Service. Particular examples are the Inclusion Service, especially the Pre-five Inclusion Service, the services to hearing and visually impaired children and the Primary and Secondary Schools' Support Services. In the current year, the Service has given strong support to the Service Manager (Pupil Support) in the development of the Authority's strategy for meeting the needs of children with autistic spectrum disorders. The Service was instrumental in developing the Community Early Assessment Team (CEAT) and still managers and administers the team.

The Psychological Service

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Transcript of The Psychological Service