At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape services and influence practice for children with SEND in a dynamic role.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council's innovative Experts @ Hand service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with strong support for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Educational Psychologist with experience in local authority settings.
The predicted salary is between 63654 - 68089 £ per year.
Location: Time Square, Bracknell (Hybrid working)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
Closing Date: 20/07/2026 at 23:59
Reference: People/26/340152
Are you an experienced Educational Psychologist looking for a role where your expertise can shape services, influence practice and make a lasting difference for children and young people with SEND? This Senior Educational Psychologist opportunity offers the chance to take a leading role in Bracknell Forest’s innovative Experts @ Hand service and contribute to our ambitious SEND reform programme. You will join us at an important time for children, young people and families in Bracknell Forest. Working as part of a forward-thinking, needs-led service, you will use psychological thinking to strengthen inclusive practice, support early intervention and help build capacity across schools, settings and partner agencies. Through close collaboration with education, health and social care colleagues, you will help create a more responsive, equitable and effective SEND system for the future.
Please note that this role will work across both the new Experts @ Hand service and the established Educational Psychology Service. At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service. This role includes an expectation to work from our Time Square office one day per week, alongside flexible working arrangements.
About You...
You are a qualified and HCPC registered Educational Psychologist with considerable experience working within a local authority setting. You will use your expertise to influence practice, shape services and make a measurable difference to the lives of children and young people with SEND. As a Senior Educational Psychologist, you will support the Principal Educational Psychologist in the development, leadership and management of the Experts @ Hand service, while also contributing to the established Educational Psychology Service. You will help strengthen workforce capacity, promote high-quality psychological practice and support the delivery of Bracknell Forest's wider SEND reform ambitions. In this role, you will provide rapid access to educational psychology-informed consultation, advice, problem‑solving support, intervention, training and research for schools, early years and post‑16 settings, multi‑agency partners and families. You may also provide supervision and/or line management for Educational Psychologists, Assistant and Trainee Psychologists, and other professionals, where agreed or commissioned.
About the team...
You will join a small, highly skilled and supportive Educational Psychology Service (EPS) where collaboration, professional curiosity and shared learning are central to how we work. Our team works closely with children, young people, families, schools, settings and partner agencies to apply psychology in ways that promote inclusion, support progress in learning and strengthen emotional wellbeing and belonging. As part of Bracknell Forest’s EPS, you will be encouraged to bring your professional strengths, develop specialist interests and contribute to service priorities that make a meaningful difference across the local area. We take pride in our inclusive, person‑centred and trauma‑informed practice and you will be supported through regular face‑to‑face team meetings at our central Bracknell office, peer supervision and ongoing continuous professional development. You will also have the opportunity to work closely with fellow Educational Psychologists and wider local authority colleagues, helping to shape joined‑up, needs‑led support for children and young people with SEND.
Key responsibilities...
- Provide consultation, advice, training and intervention to schools, settings and families.
- Support the development of inclusive practice and early intervention across the local area.
- Provide line management and supervision to qualified, assistant and trainee educational psychologists and other professionals as required.
- Contribute to the leadership of the Experts @ Hand service, workforce development and system‑wide SEND reform.
- Work collaboratively with education, health and social care partners to improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Help shape strategy and innovation, including support for the SEND Priority Action Plan and Health Transformation Programme across the council and wider community.
- Provide high‑quality psychological advice as part of statutory EHC needs assessments.
- Contribute to SEND decision‑making groups by advocating for children and young people and bringing a psychological perspective.
Benefits...
- 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
- Previous SPA points will be honoured.
- Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work‑life balance.
- Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Full reimbursement of your HCPC registration and one additional professional subscription (AEP or BPS).
- Essential car user allowance, monthly lump sum payment, and subsidised onsite parking.
- A commitment to remain on Soulbury pay and conditions.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply).
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
- Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
Disability confident and inclusive recruitment...
Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be an inclusive employer. This means that if you have made us aware on the application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or you are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre‑employment checks process. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case‑by‑case basis.
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Senior Educational Psychologist - Experts at Hand in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With flexible working arrangements, a commitment to professional development, and a focus on work-life balance, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND while enjoying generous benefits such as enhanced leave and a local government pension scheme. Join our dedicated team in Bracknell, where collaboration and innovation are at the heart of our mission to create a more equitable and effective SEND system.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Educational Psychologist - Experts at Hand in Bracknell
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Educational Psychologist - Experts at Hand in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Bracknell Forest Council connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Bracknell Forest Council, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
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Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Bracknell Forest Council will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
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Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Bracknell Forest Council that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
