Case studies: Educational psychologist: Jonathan Andrew

Jonathan is a main-grade educational psychologist (EP). He completed his psychology degree with the Open University in 2005 and his PhD in Educational Psychology at Bristol University in 2010.

I was one of the early cohorts of students to study the three-year PhD in Educational Psychology, and spent years two and three of the course as a trainee with a local authority in the west of England.

As a result of the economic difficulties facing the UK when I graduated, EP positions were in short supply, and I worked as a self-employed EP, on projects with different councils, building on connections made during my research project. My current position with a council is a temporary maternity cover contract.

I was a mature student with the Open University and have a background of working with young people with a variety of different issues. These include working as a learning support assistant in a residential school for children aged 7-14 with learning difficulties, with homeless young adults, and with young adults with a variety of mental health, addiction and social issues. The scope and range of my prior experience have given me a wide perspective on the environmental as well as the personal issues facing the individuals I work with as an EP.

On a typical day, I first check my email for emergencies before going out to schools to consult on any pupils who are causing concern. Consultations, usually with the teacher and parents, last around 45 minutes. I then observe the pupil in the learning situation and chat with teachers and learning support staff to get a clear picture of the situation. Following lunch, I make further school visits, later writing my reports on each consultation. The most important part of a consultation is the conversations I have at the school with all those involved.

My current aim is to secure a permanent contract, as in the current economic climate these are harder to find in some areas of the country. In previous years, it was normal to spend around five years as a generalist EP, before moving towards being a specialist in a particular area of interest, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or mental health. Currently, there is a move back towards more generalist work, though I would hope to be a specialist in my particular area of interest in the future.

My greatest rewards come from watching the kids improve, and being aware of and proud of their improvement. The biggest challenges come from persuading schools that inclusion in mainstream schooling is a right, and to make the extra efforts needed for that inclusion. In the sector in general, I particularly like the capacity of an EP to effect change. Practising as an EP is not too complicated, though it needs excellent communication skills and common sense approaches to problem-solving. The educational psychology training course, although tough, is extremely thorough and an excellent preparation for working as an EP.