Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council - Educational Psychologists & Principal Educational Psychologist

Join a Service That Values Inclusion, Creativity and Meaningful Impact

Are you driven by a passion for improving the lives of children and young people? Do you thrive in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment where psychology shapes real, positive change? Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or a senior leader ready to take the next step, we’d love to welcome you to our growing Educational Psychology Service.

At BCP Council, we work with children and young people aged 0–25 across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, supporting their educational journeys, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. Our team is warm, supportive and committed to evidence‑informed, inclusive practice — and we are excited to expand our service with both Educational Psychologists and a Principal Educational Psychologist.

⭐ Why Join Us?

A service built on collaboration and creativity
We champion shared learning, reflective practice and distributed leadership — because the best ideas come from everyone. Through our link EP model, we work closely with schools, settings and multi‑agency partners to embed meaningful, lasting change.

Opportunities to grow and lead
From SENCo supervision and the ELSA programme, to EBSA interventions, nurture networks and PINS work, there are countless opportunities to develop specialisms and influence service development.

A place where relationships matter
You’ll join a team that genuinely cares about children, families, and each other. We encourage professional curiosity, wellbeing, coaching and supportive supervision.

A fantastic location
Enjoy working in a beautiful coastal area with miles of beaches, the New Forest and the Jurassic Coast on your doorstep.

Educational Psychologist – What You’ll Do
As an Educational Psychologist, you will:

• Apply psychology to promote inclusion, emotional wellbeing and improved outcomes.
• Use child‑ and family‑centred approaches in collaboration with schools, parents and partners.
• Support statutory duties, including work with children with SEND and disabilities.
• Deliver high‑quality traded services such as consultation, assessment, intervention and training.
• Support inclusive practice through co‑production and the Graduated Response.
• Provide professional development for schools and contribute to critical incident response.
• Maintain strong safeguarding practice and up‑to‑date professional knowledge.

Principal Educational Psychologist – Lead With Purpose
As our Principal EP, you’ll play a key strategic role, shaping our service vision and fostering positive experiences for children and young people. You will:

• Lead and develop an ambitious, compassionate vision for the EP Service.
• Oversee recruitment, supervision, quality assurance and performance.
• Champion early intervention, inclusion and strengths‑based practice.
• Guide commissioning activity, service evaluation and financial planning.
• Influence strategic developments across education, SEND, Public Health and the NHS.
• Promote co‑production and ensure the voices of children and families shape our work.

What You’ll Bring

Whether applying as an EP or Principal EP, we’re looking for individuals who are:

• Compassionate, reflective and driven to make a difference.
• Skilled communicators who work well collaboratively and independently.
• Committed to inclusion, diversity and evidence‑informed practice.
• Organised, solution‑focused and able to manage a varied workload.

Essential requirements (role‑dependent):

• Honours degree in Psychology (or equivalent).
• A recognised postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology.
• HCPC registration (or eligibility).
• Experience in delivering a range of Educational Psychology casework, training and multi‑agency working.
• Enhanced DBS with Child Barred List.
• Ability to travel across the BCP area.

For the Principal EP, additional experience in leadership, service development and strategic partnership working is required.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Excellent CPD and professional development
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Family‑friendly policies and wellbeing support
• Local discounts across the region
• Relocation assistance up to £8,000 (eligibility applies)
• Supportive supervision and opportunities to lead areas of interest
• Stunning local environment — beaches, nature and vibrant communities

Interested? We’d Love to Hear From You
If you’re passionate about shaping brighter futures and want to work somewhere your expertise is genuinely valued, apply today.

For an informal chat about the Principal EP role, please email jeanette.yorke@bcpcouncil.gov.uk 

Join us — and help make education work for every child.