Principal Educational Psychologist

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and strategic Educational Psychologist ready to lead a dedicated service, and make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Bracknell Forest.

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, dependant on the needs of the service.

About you...

As Principal Educational Psychologist, you will be able to provide strategic leadership for our Educational Psychology Service (EPS). You will drive high standards and innovation, ensuring the effective, evidence-based deployment of psychologists to meet both statutory duties and the demands of our traded service offer. The role of Principal Educational Psychologist is key to shaping the EPS, aligning it with council priorities like the Safety Valve agenda, and ensuring financial sustainability.

You will also play an active leadership role within the wider SEND & Inclusion service, contributing significantly to the local SEND strategic plan and fostering strong multi-agency partnerships to enhance outcomes for CYP with SEND and their families. 

You will be fully qualified (Doctorate or Masters in Educational Psychology) and HCPC registered Educational Psychologist with significant post-qualification experience, preferably within a local authority.

As Educational Psychologist, you must have proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate professional staff, alongside experience in strategic planning, service development, and managing change. A deep understanding of relevant legislation (Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice), educational systems, and psychological theory is essential. We need an excellent communicator and collaborator with experience managing budgets and using data to drive service improvement. A commitment to ethical practice, equality, diversity, and inclusion is fundamental.

About the team...

As the Principal Educational Psychologist, you will lead the Educational Psychology Service (EPS), managing the Senior Educational Psychologists and reporting directly to the Assistant Director Education & Learning. The EPS sits within the Education & Learning section of the People Directorate.

You will be joining a structure focused on improving outcomes for children and young people through collaborative, evidence-based practice.

Key responsibilities...

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Educational Psychology Service (EPS), ensuring alignment with council priorities (e.g., SEND strategy, Safety Valve agenda).  
• Lead, manage, and supervise the EP team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and high-quality, evidence-based service delivery (statutory and traded).  
• Manage the EPS budget and develop the traded service offer, including income generation, marketing, and ensuring financial sustainability.  
• Champion multi-agency collaboration, building strong partnerships with schools, health, social care, and families to drive the SEND strategic plan and promote inclusive practice.  
• Represent the EPS, contributing expert psychological knowledge at strategic council meetings, SEND panels, and multi-agency forums, ensuring the LA meets its statutory duties.

Our benefits...

• 28 days* increasing to 33 days* after 3 years’ continuous service.
• The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
• Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
• An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
• Local government pension scheme.
• Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme)
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
• Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.)
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities. 
• A great office location next to travel links and Bracknell Forest’s thriving town centre. 
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing. 
• Sports and Social Club.
• Staff dental and health plans. 

*(pro rata for part time)

Our values...

At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you. 

Our support…

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process.  

Interview date

Interviews will be held on 4th June 2025

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Duane Chappell, Assistant Director – Education & Learning

Tel.: 01344 351720

At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. At Bracknell Forest Council, we are always learning, ambition and inclusive. Please see our candidate pack for more details.

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. 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

No agencies please.