Educational Psychologist in London

Salary: Soulbury Scale A Spinal Points 5-10 (plus up to 3 SPA points) and Inner London Weighting (£3685 per year). This is a full-time, permanent post, but consideration will be given to part-time working (0.8 fte).

Would you like to be part of a dynamic and dedicated team that is making a real difference to the lives of children and young people? The London Borough of Islington is seeking an enthusiastic and creative Educational Psychologist to join our friendly, supportive, and highly regarded Educational Psychology Team. This is an exciting time to join our Service. The Council is committed to developing inclusive practice and using the highly valued EP Service to contribute to the SEN reform developments (including the Experts at Hand delivery model).

Over the coming year we are looking forward to continuing to deliver high quality evidence-informed interventions for settings and schools and also piloting new approaches to support early intervention where psychology is at the forefront of system change. We offer many opportunities for team members to engage in projects and deliver varied commissioned work. This includes:

• Working with Islington’s Virtual School, Youth Justice Team and Targeted Youth Support Team to support and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people in the Borough.
• Working systemically in schools to develop trauma informed practice as part of the ITIPS team (Islington Trauma Informed Practice in Schools).
• Training and supporting Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) and we are about to train the team in MELSA (Mediated Learning Support Approach).
• Delivering group supervision to Early Years’ practitioners, SENCOs, DSLs, ELSAs and Early Career Teachers.
• Supporting the EPS and our schools to develop culturally sensitive, anti-racist and non-discriminatory practice.

The successful candidate will be committed to working within the principles of consultation, co-production and collaboration to support children to thrive in their local communities and have positive futures. You will contribute to all aspects of core, statutory and traded service delivery to schools and Early Years settings and work jointly with other professionals committed to bringing about positive change at a strategic and individual child level.

The EPS offers a competitive salary with generous annual leave and privilege days. We are committed to the development of our practice as psychologists and offer a wide range of varied work and CPD opportunities for early career EPs through to those with more experience. We are particularly proud of the high-quality individual and peer supervision available for all team members. We have strong links with the three London Universities and so benefit from having a number of TEPs on placement who play an integral part in our service delivery.

Islington is a wonderfully vibrant borough with a diverse community. We offer a flexible and hybrid working environment with plenty of cafes, open spaces and shops to enjoy on Upper Street and the surrounding area. We welcome applications from experienced EPs as well as from year 3 trainees who will complete their training in August 2026 (and those who will complete in August 2027). Applicants must be a professionally qualified Educational Psychologist and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Trainee EPs are expected to have eligibility confirmed following completion of their recognised training course - within 3 months of commencing employment.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to challenging inequality and discrimination, promoting equal opportunities and valuing the diversity of communities within the Borough and within the Islington workforce. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS clearance. We are a friendly and supportive team who are passionate about the work we do. If you feel that this could be the place for you to further develop your psychological skills or start your career, then please do get in touch to find out more.

Please contact Gill Sassienie (Principal Educational Psychologist) or Amanda Holgate, Chris Shaldon (Senior Educational Psychologists) on 0207 527 3747.

Closing date: Sunday 2nd August 23:59. Interview date: by arrangement with shortlisted applicants.

About You

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you includes:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
• Excellent local government pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks: Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address.
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable).
• Satisfactory references.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable).

Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check with children barred list qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confident Scheme: Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.