Patricia tells us about her career as an Educational Psychologist in the National Educational Psychological Service. Patricia says that the best thing about working in National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is the collegiality and working with a group of like-minded people. The collective expertise of colleagues is great, and you come away from individual or group supervision feeling more able and grounded. With that support behind you, you are better able to help support schools.
What does your role entail as an Educational Psychologist?
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) mission is to support the personal, social and educational development of all school aged children in education, having particular regard to children with special educational needs. We provide a quality service to schools with a balance between consultation and casework about individual children and work of a preventative nature (support and development). We work together to develop supportive and cohesive teams locally and regionally. We aim to maintain a high standard of professional practice.
What were your reasons for applying for the Educational Psychologist role?
I enjoy spending time with children, their parents and teachers. I get a sense of self-worth from bringing knowledge and confidence to others and helping them improve their approach to life and learning.
What opportunities has this role provided you with?
Educational psychology is a field that is always growing. In order to be truly effective in service to schools, you need the drive to develop and hone your skills and learning to develop new methods of helping others.
NEPS provides frequent, evidenced-based, relevant continuous professional development (CPD) that is pertinent to the job. Colleagues are generous with sharing new resources and training that is available.
So, there are good training opportunities and encouragement for furthering your education, including study and exam leave.
What aspect of your role as a psychologist in the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) do you particularly enjoy?
The best thing about working in NEPS is the collegiality and working with a group of like-minded people. The collective expertise of colleagues is great and you come away from individual or group supervision feeling more able and grounded. With that support behind you, you are better able to help support schools.
Would you recommend a career in the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) NEPS?
Within NEPS you can expect good conditions of employment with opportunities for flexible working arrangements, career breaks and job sharing.
There are good training opportunities and encouragement for furthering your education, including study and exam leave.
As an employee in the public sector in the Department of Education you have the opportunity to make a difference and the chance to make a positive difference to the lives of others with the security of an organisation to support you.