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- Tasks: Lead and shape a high-quality psychology service for children and young people.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council, committed to inclusion and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to improving lives through innovative practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable learners and influence local educational outcomes.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate in Educational Psychology and significant leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and ambitious Educational Psychologist ready to lead and shape a high quality local authority psychology service?
Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking a Principal Educational Psychologist to provide strategic, professional and operational leadership to our Educational Psychology Service, ensuring the delivery of high quality, evidence based psychological services that improve outcomes for children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This is a pivotal senior leadership role within our Education Directorate, contributing to system wide improvement, statutory SEND responsibilities, and partnership working across education, health and social care. The post holder will play a key role in shaping inclusive practice across B&NES and supporting schools, settings and services to meet the needs of our most vulnerable learners.
Key responsibilities
- Strategic and Professional Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and professional direction for the Educational Psychology Service, ensuring high standards of practice, quality assurance and continuous improvement. Act as the senior professional lead for Educational Psychology within B&NES, maintaining oversight of statutory and preventative services. Contribute to the council’s wider education, SEND and inclusion priorities as part of the Directorate Management team.
- Statutory SEND and Inclusion: Ensure the effective delivery of the local authority’s statutory duties, including psychological advice for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs). Provide expert psychological advice to support decision making, early intervention and inclusive practice across education and children’s services. Support the development and implementation of SEND reforms and national policy within the local context.
- Service Management and Workforce Development: Lead, manage and develop the Educational Psychology workforce & Early Years Area SENCO team, including recruitment, supervision, appraisal and professional development. Promote evidence informed practice, research and innovation within the service. Ensure effective use of resources, performance monitoring and service planning.
- Partnership and System Leadership: Work collaboratively with schools, early years settings, health partners, social care and other agencies to promote positive outcomes for children and young people. Represent the Educational Psychology Service at strategic boards, partnerships and regional or national forums as required. Support schools and settings through consultation, training and organisational development.
- Safeguarding and Vulnerable Learners: Contribute to safeguarding arrangements and support the council’s responsibilities for children who are vulnerable, including those with SEND, children looked after, and those at risk of exclusion or poor attendance. Champion inclusive, trauma informed and psychologically informed approaches across the local system.
What we offer
- A strategic leadership role with real influence on local and system wide outcomes for children and young people.
- A supportive and values driven organisation, committed to inclusion, collaboration and professional integrity.
- Opportunities for professional development, leadership growth and engagement with regional and national EP networks.
- Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, generous annual leave and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Essential qualifications and experience
- Postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology and registration with the HCPC.
- Eligibility for Chartered Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society.
- Significant post qualification experience, including leadership or senior practitioner responsibilities within an Educational Psychology Service.
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory frameworks and current best practice.
- Proven ability to lead services, manage people and contribute to strategic improvement.
Principal Educational Psychologist in Bristol employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Educational Psychologist in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the educational psychology field. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people from Bath & North East Somerset Council and other relevant organisations. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous work, especially any projects related to SEND and inclusive practices. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your impact can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the Educational Psychology Service at B&NES and express your interest. A friendly email or call can show your enthusiasm and might just put you on their radar for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team. Keep an eye on our listings and don’t hesitate to hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Educational Psychologist in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of improving outcomes for children and young people, especially those with SEND.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Educational Psychologist, you'll be leading a team and shaping services. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We love seeing examples of strategic thinking and collaboration!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your qualifications and significant post-qualification experience. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in educational psychology, so make sure to detail your expertise in SEND legislation and best practices.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEND legislation and best practices. Brush up on your knowledge of psychological theories and frameworks that are relevant to the role. This will not only show your expertise but also your commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you’ve implemented changes or improvements in educational settings. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as this is crucial for a Principal Educational Psychologist.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to statutory duties or partnership working. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
✨Connect with Their Values
Research Bath & North East Somerset Council’s values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding inclusion and collaboration. Showing that you resonate with their ethos can set you apart from other candidates.