At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a real difference in children's lives through innovative educational psychology practices.
- Company: Kirklees Educational Psychology Service, committed to shaping brighter futures for diverse communities.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, professional development, and dedicated support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a respected team driving impactful projects and system-wide change.
- Qualifications: Qualified EPs or final year trainees registered with HCPC.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in Kirklees Educational Psychology Service which includes the possibility of providing future non‑statutory EP support to Calderdale schools through a commission under discussion. Kirklees Council is proud to champion an ambitious, forward‑thinking Educational Psychology Service that plays a vital role in shaping brighter futures for children and young people across our diverse communities.
Our leadership team genuinely recognises the expertise of Educational Psychologists (EP)— not just for statutory work, but for the transformative impact they bring to early intervention, prevention, and whole‑school development. That’s why every EP in our service enjoys a guaranteed balance of statutory and non‑statutory work, ensuring variety, creativity, and professional fulfilment.
Our service is growing rapidly, with an expanding remit and a clear mission: to drive inclusive practice and strengthen outcomes for all learners. As part of this, the Educational Psychology team have played a key role in the development, implementation and embedding of our authority‑wide Cluster Communities in which groups of schools meet with a team of specialist SEND professionals to help build a consistent and equitable offer for children and young people with SEND in Kirklees mainstream schools. This initiative is attracting both local and national interest and is reaping benefits in relation to building SENDCO confidence and expertise as well as improving outcomes for children and young people.
This is an exciting time to join us! We are seeking dynamic, innovative educational psychologists who want to make a real difference. You’ll contribute to our core school offer while also having a role in a range of high‑profile, impactful projects, including:
- Driving whole‑school Emotional Health and Wellbeing (EH&WB) approaches through our expanding Mental Health in Schools Teams (MHSTs), now supporting every mainstream school in Kirklees
- Delivering ELSA training across the district, building sustainable emotional literacy support in schools
- Embedding Emotion Coaching practices to strengthen relationships and behaviour support
- Leading training for education settings supporting children in care, working closely with specialist teachers and inclusion workers
- Delivering ELKLAN training across primary and secondary schools
- Leading on support to children in care which includes working alongside our specialist children in care teachers and inclusion officers based within the team
Our work focuses on long‑term, whole‑school capacity building — and it’s gaining recognition both locally and nationally. You’ll be part of a service that is not only respected but genuinely shaping system‑wide change.
We offer a competitive salary and are looking for EPs who:
- Love variety and enjoy bringing creativity into their practice
- Thrive in environments that encourage growth, innovation, and professional development
- Want a healthy balance of statutory and wider project work
- Are excited to develop specialist interests
- Value consultation and dynamic, strengths‑based assessment
- Want to be part of a large, warm, and supportive team with excellent admin and IT support
- Enjoy working collaboratively with Trainee EPs, Specialist Teachers, and Inclusion Workers to support vulnerable children and young people
As part of our team, you’ll benefit from:
- Agile and flexible working arrangements that support work–life balance
- High‑quality supervision with a Senior EP
- Regular peer supervision and reflective practice
- Team meetings and service development days
- Outstanding CPD opportunities
- Dedicated administrative support from our Business Support Team
- Essential car user allowance
- A welcoming, well‑equipped designated office based in Batley Town Hall
Kirklees values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. All members of our team have contributed to CPD and changes in EP practice around anti‑racist practice. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, and particularly welcome from people from black and global majority backgrounds, disabled people and people from other diverse communities who are currently underrepresented within our profession.
For any informal enquiries please email dewsbury.psychology@kirklees.gov.uk or telephone 01924 483744 to speak with Jayne Whitton, Principal Educational Psychologist.
Maingrade EP posts: We welcome applications from both qualified EPs and those in their final year of EP training. Applicants must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), or, in the case of trainee EPs, expecting to have their registration confirmed following the completion of their recognised training course.
For any informal enquiries please email dewsbury.psychology@kirklees.gov.uk or telephone 01924 483744 to speak with a member of the senior leadership team.
Educational Psychologists employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Council offers an exceptional opportunity for Educational Psychologists to join a forward-thinking service dedicated to shaping brighter futures for children and young people. With a strong emphasis on professional development, a supportive team environment, and a commitment to diversity, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, high-quality supervision, and the chance to engage in impactful projects that drive inclusive practices across schools. This is a unique chance to be part of a respected service that is making a real difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Educational Psychologists
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Educational Psychologists at Kirklees Council, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Educational Psychologists
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 Kirklees 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 Kirklees Council
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Kirklees 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.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
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 Kirklees Council will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
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 Kirklees Council that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
