Reading Borough Council (Brighter Futures for Children) - Educational Psychologist x2

About us 

Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), owned by Reading Borough Council, is responsible for the delivery of education services. BFfC staff enjoy all of benefits of Council employees, including membership of the LG Pension Scheme and continuous service. 

Reading is a small unitary local authority - the principal regional and commercial centre of the Thames Valley, surrounded by beautiful countryside.  The town has excellent transport links to London and is located on the M4 corridor.  Reading has, within a small geographical area, some of the most affluent and most deprived neighbourhoods in the Thames Valley making it a diverse and rewarding place to work.

About the role 

We are a highly valued and well-staffed service committed to providing high quality evidence based psychological advice.  We offer a highly supportive environment to develop your career. Innovation and ambition are encouraged, and you’ll be part of a friendly and collaborative team.

Main grade EPs enjoy a balanced workload with managed statutory demands (approx. 2 EHCNAs pcm), a patch of schools and substantial protected time for projects/commissioned work.  EPs work in a range of settings as well as engaging in systemic work, training, mental health projects and partnership work with colleagues across and beyond BFfC, e.g. opportunities to work with YJS; the VS for Children with a Social Worker and the Therapeutic Fostering Programme.

Role Responsibilities:

• Consultation, assessment, advice and intervention regarding the education and well-being of young people aged 0-25, working alongside children, parents and teachers.
• Assisting schools in developing effective approaches to meeting special educational needs.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of BFfC policy and practice, with particular regard to SEND.
• Providing psychological advice for statutory assessments.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of projects, e.g.. Therapeutic Thinking Schools, Reading’s Autism Growth Approach, Emotional Literacy Practitioner training and supervision
• Psychological advice and support to other teams, e.g.. Children’s Social Care; Early Years and Inclusion Support (RISE)    

Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive salary.  Existing SPA points transferred
• Newly Qualified EPs have reduced caseload for initial year
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Agile working with access to an office
• Regular supervision and face-to-face contact with team members
• Comprehensive induction programme
• CPD opportunities e.g. Therapeutic Thinking Schools; Trauma Informed Practice; VIG; Intensive Interaction; SCERTS; Dynamic Assessment
• Discounted Child Care (on site nursery)

Visit Work with us and jobs at Brighter Futures for Children in Reading for more benefits

About you

• A Masters or Doctorate qualification in Educational Psychology (or in training).
• Be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or, in the case of trainee EP’s, expecting to have their registration confirmed following the completion of their recognised training course.
• The ability to travel around Reading

For more information or informal discussion, please contact the Acting PEP at Vikki.Lawrence@brighterfuturesforchildren.org or one of the team: Ellie.Hayes@brighterfuturesforchildren.org Joanne.Bates@brighterfuturesforchildren.org 

An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.

Closing date:  23 June 2025

Interview date: To be confirmed