Contact Dr Will Shield

For Schools

I offer psychologically informed support for schools through consultation, supervision and bespoke training, working collaboratively with staff, parents and other professionals.

Consultation

Consultation provides structured psychological thinking to help schools and parents understand concerns, clarify needs and plan effective support. It focuses on problem solving, collaboration and practical action.

Consultation can take place online or in person if in Bristol and the surrounding area. Consultation is usually offered in addition to your local authority educational psychology offer. The aim is to add capacity and flexibility where this is helpful. Consent from parents or carers is required before consultation takes place. Consent from the child or young person is also required if they are over 13.

Next Steps

To request consultation, complete the contact form. At this stage, no personal or sensitive information about the child or young person should be shared. Once in touch, a call will be arranged to discuss the situation, agree next steps and determine the most appropriate course of action.

What to expect from consultation

Online Consultation

Online sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes and include key school or setting staff, parents and carers, other relevant professional and sometimes the young person. The focus is on developing a shared understanding of the situation and identifying a child’s strengths and needs.

During the session, the aims will be to

  • Clarify concerns and priorities.
  • Explore strengths, needs and context.
  • Agree clear, realistic actions to support the child or young person.
After the consultation, schools or settings will receive a written summary and an agreed action plan, including how and when progress should be reviewed.
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Face to Face Consultation

Face to face consultation follows the same structure and aims as online consultation. Likewise, this work involves school staff, parents or carers, other relevant professionals and sometimes the young person.

It may also include:
  • Observation in the school or setting.
  • Time spent working individually with the child or young person.
After the consultation, schools or settings will receive a written summary and an agreed action plan, including how and when progress should be reviewed.
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Supervision and Reflective Practice

Supervision provides protected time to think. It supports staff who hold responsibility for safeguarding, inclusion, and emotional wellbeing.

Supervision and reflective practice is available for:

  • EYFS staff
  • DSLs and DDSLs
  • Senior leadership teams
  • SENDCOs
  • Pastoral staff and Learning Mentors

This includes statutory supervision for EYFS staff.

Supervision in Education

This work aligns with the Supervision in Education guidance and reflects current expectations for safe, ethical practice in education settings.

Supervision supports decision making, professional judgement, and staff wellbeing. It is particularly important for roles that involve safeguarding, trauma, and complex family work.

What Supervision and Reflective Practice involves

Supervision is a structured, reflective process. It creates space to explore challenges, reflect on practice, and agree clear next steps.

Sessions are offered

  • Online
  • Individually or in small groups
  • As regular sessions or one off support
Supervision may focus on safeguarding, inclusion, professional roles, team dynamics, or the emotional impact of the work.

My Approach

Although coaching is not offered, supervision sessions take a coaching informed approach. This means:
  • Clear structure and purpose.
  • Thoughtful questioning to support reflection.
  • Focus on practical, realistic actions.
  • Respect for professional expertise and autonomy.

The emphasis is on reflection, not performance management. The goal is safer practice, clearer thinking and sustainable working.

If you are looking for supervision or reflective practice that is psychologically informed, ethical, and grounded in education, get in touch to discuss your needs.

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Training/CPD and INSET

Bespoke training and professional development can be designed to meet the needs of your school or setting, as part of INSET or twilight training’ Training typically includes
  • Clear psychological frameworks.
  • Practical strategies for everyday use.
  • Space for reflection and discussion.
  • Follow up to support impact over time

This approach aligns with evidence about effective professional learning.

Areas of specialism include

  • Mental health and wellbeing.
  • Relational approaches.
  • Trauma informed and attachment aware practice.
Training can be delivered as INSET, twilight sessions or shorter CPD inputs, depending on need and capacity.
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