Educational Psychologist – AR

Job Details

Locum Educational Psychologist

Location: Shute End / Hybrid Working
Service: Children’s Services – Educational Psychology Service
Contract: Initially 6 – 8 months
Rate: Daily Rate

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Locum Educational Psychologist to join the Educational Psychology Service within Children’s Services. The successful candidate will support the Local Authority in meeting its statutory SEND responsibilities by completing high-quality Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) for children and young people.

This role is focused on providing timely, evidence-based psychological advice to support decisions around special educational provision and ensure children and young people with SEND receive the appropriate support to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

  • Complete allocated Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) in line with statutory timescales.
  • Carry out face-to-face assessments with children and young people where appropriate, including school and home visits.
  • Produce clear, concise and outcome-focused Educational Psychology reports using evidence-informed practice.
  • Ensure assessments consider the child or young person’s:
    • Age
    • Abilities and strengths
    • Culture and background
    • Educational needs and barriers to learning
  • Complete written EHCNA advice within five weeks of the assessment being commissioned.
  • Manage an independent caseload of statutory assessments while meeting agreed deadlines.
  • Liaise with parents/carers, schools, SENCOs, education professionals, health colleagues and other relevant services to gather assessment information.
  • Submit completed reports for internal quality assurance before statutory submission deadlines.
  • Contribute to supporting the wider Educational Psychology Service in delivering effective SEND provision.

Essential Requirements

  • Postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology.
  • Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience as a practising Educational Psychologist.
  • Experience completing statutory EHC Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) and providing psychological advice for EHCP processes.
  • Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, assessment processes and evidence-based practice.
  • Ability to produce high-quality analytical reports with clear recommendations and outcomes.
  • Experience managing a caseload independently and working to strict deadlines.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with families and professionals.
  • Good IT skills and experience producing professional reports.

Desirable Experience

  • Previous experience working within a Local Authority Educational Psychology Service.
  • Experience working with schools, children’s services and multi-agency SEND teams.

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role involving:

  • Remote/home working
  • Office-based working
  • School visits
  • Home visits where required

The post holder must have:

  • A clean driving licence
  • Access to a vehicle for work purposes

DBS Requirement

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check for working with children.

About the Service

The Educational Psychology Service supports the Local Authority in fulfilling its statutory duties for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The service works with children, families, schools and partner agencies to identify needs, remove barriers to learning and improve outcomes.