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In-School Observations  

In-School Observations

Clinician-supervised insight into learning, regulation and engagement at school.

At Tabla Psychology, we recognise the importance of understanding how a child or young person presents within their everyday learning environment. Our In-School Observation provides structured, evidence-based insight into attention, learning behaviours, communication and regulation in school, helping to inform proportionate and appropriate next steps.

What is an In-School Observation?

An In-School Observation is a structured visit to a school setting, designed to observe how a pupil engages with learning, adults and peers across relevant parts of the school day.

Observations are carried out by Nikki Hammal, SEND Specialist, and are clinically supervised and quality-assured by our multidisciplinary educational and clinical team.

What does the observation involve?

Observation visit (60–90 minutes)

Nikki visits the school and observes the pupil in context. This may include classroom learning, transitions, and—where appropriate—social or unstructured times.

The observation focuses on areas such as:

  • attention and task engagement
  • learning behaviours and access to the curriculum
  • social communication and peer interaction
  • emotional and sensory regulation
  • response to adult input, scaffolding and classroom expectations

The observation is structured and evidence-based, with a focus on how the pupil’s profile presents in practice within the school environment.

The Observation Report

Following the visit, a brief and focused Observation Report is produced.

The report is intentionally concise and is designed to:

  • summarise key observations from the school setting
  • highlight relevant strengths and areas of need
  • give an indication of what next steps could look like, based on what was observed

Recommendations may indicate that:

  • one of our assessments (for example, Autism, ADHD or Educational Psychology) may be helpful, or
  • alternative support, monitoring, or school-based strategies are more appropriate

The report does not provide a diagnosis and is not a comprehensive assessment report. Its purpose is to support clear, proportionate decision-making, not to determine outcomes.

All reports are reviewed and quality-assured under clinical supervision.

How can an In-School Observation be used?

An In-School Observation may be helpful when:

  • there are differences between home and school presentations
  • there is uncertainty around Autism, ADHD, learning needs or regulation
  • families are unsure whether a full assessment is appropriate
  • understanding the school context would help guide next steps

Observations can be booked as a stand-alone service or alongside Comprehensive Pre-Screening or assessment.

What this service does not provide

  • A diagnosis
  • A full diagnostic or Educational Psychology assessment
  • Statutory or legal conclusions

Fees

In-School Observation (Clinician-Supervised): £450

This includes:

  • a 60–90 minute school observation
  • a brief written Observation Report
  • clinical supervision and quality assurance within our multidisciplinary team

Booking an In-School Observation 

If you are unsure whether an In-School Observation would be helpful, Nathan Duncan, Practice Manager, is happy to be a first point of contact for general enquiries and to help guide you to the most appropriate next step.