My experience as an EP

I have worked as an Educational Psychologist (EP) since 2002, including for two different Local Authorities in the Southwest and in private practice since 2016. I now work as a fully independent EP. 

I have worked across a range of settings including state and independent schools, early years settings, colleges and specialist provisions. 

I am experienced at carrying out independent, evidence-based assessments of children with a range of needs. It is important to me that children and young people feel at ease during an assessment and my aim is for them to leave feeling positive about their learning. 

During my time as an EP, I have held a number of positions of responsibility,  including being the service lead working with the Neurodevelopmental Multidisciplinary Team in Swindon (autism and ADHD assessments). I was one of the lead trainers for Cygnet (a national scheme devised by Barnardo’s for parents with children with autism) and have been involved in establishing a borough-wide ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) project, delivering training and supervision. I have delivered training on a wide range of topics and been responsible for supervising EPs, Assistant and Trainee EPs and other professionals. I have developed resources about a range of special educational needs and have been involved in writing guidelines including for Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia), Social, Emotional and Mental health (SEMH) needs and autism. 

In some situations, I use a consultation or coaching psychology approach (involving collaboration with all those involved to discuss the current situation and find ways forward, rather than working individually with the child or young person). Parents, teachers and other professionals report this has been useful to help them find solutions, think through complex situations or develop their practice and knowledge.  

I keep up to date with developments and recent research in educational psychology and work within statutory guidelines. I am part of a group of independent EPs and other professionals working in Gloucestershire and Bristol and receive regular supervision. I also work with Bristol Independent Community  Paediatrics (BICP), a multidisciplinary team of NHS consultant paediatricians, psychiatrists and therapists.  

I am friendly, approachable and adaptable. I live in between Stroud and Cirencester and am also a parent of three children.