Principal Education Psychologist

Contract to start ASAP until 20-09-26 with a possible extension.

Job purpose

The Principal Educational Psychologist (PEP) provides professional, strategic and operational leadership for the Educational Psychology (E)P) Service within Cheshire East Council.

The postholder is responsible for ensuring that educational psychology contributes effectively to improved outcomes, inclusion and wellbeing for children and young people, particularly those with additional and special educational needs.

This includes leadership of practice standards, workforce development, service delivery, budget management and systemwide integration.

The PEP will play a key leadership role in education and SEND reforms, ensuring the service is forward looking, evidence based and fully aligned with council priorities, statutory responsibilities and council policies and processes.

The postholder will work collaboratively across education, SEND, health, social care and prevention services to contribute to a joinedup system that is trusted by families, schools and partners.

Responsibilities

Professional leadership and Quality Assurance

The role will provide professional leadership for the Educational Psychology Service, ensuring high standards of ethical, evidencebased and inclusive practice.

The role will set and maintain clear practice frameworks, quality assurance arrangements and professional standards in line council expectations and legal frameworks.

The role will ensure the appropriate application of psychology across a range of functions, including:

Consultation and advice.

Assessment and formulation.

Intervention planning.

Training and workforce development.

Contributions to statutory SEND processes.

The role will maintain oversight of complex and highrisk casework where appropriate.

Strategic contribution and SEND reform

The role will actively lead and contribute to the design and delivery of education and SEND reforms at local and system level by ensuring the EP service is fully aligned with:

SEND and inclusion strategies.

Localitybased working and Families First approaches.

Early intervention and prevention priorities.

Maintain uptodate knowledge of national SEND policy, legislation and best practice, translating this into local implementation.

Contribute to strategic planning, commissioning and service development across education and SEND.

Integration and partnership working

Work closely with the HOS of Specialist Education Service and peer service managers to ensure strong leadership across psychological and specialist teaching services.

Promote integrated working with SEND assessment, inclusion teams, IQT, social care, health and prevention services.

Support a tell your story once approach for families by enabling joinedup pathways and reducing duplication.

Build strong relationships with schools, academies, early years settings, post16 providers and partners.

Represent the Council in regional and national professional networks as required.

Workforce leadership and management

Line manage senior educational psychology staff and lead the wider service workforce.

Ensure effective supervision, PDRs, performance management and professional development for staff.

Lead the development and delivery of a coherent CPD strategy that builds capacity, resilience and future leadership.

Foster an inspirational, inclusive and reflective culture that prioritises children, learning and staff wellbeing.

Support recruitment, retention and succession planning for the Educational Psychology Service.

Operational management and governance

Hold responsibility for the EP service budget, ensuring effective financial planning and value for money.

Operate fully within Council policies, procedures and governance requirements.

Contribute to service planning, performance monitoring and reporting processes.

Ensure the service responds effectively to enquiries, complaints and feedback.

Support inspection, audit and assurance activity as required.

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5296750-08-26