Contact Dr Will Shield

Experienced child and educational psychologist

My Way of Working’

The majority of my working time is based within a university role. Alongside this, I offer school based educational psychology work to add capacity and psychological thinking where it is most useful. I work primarily through a consultation approach, offering psychological thinking and exploration of complex issues. I work with school staff to:
  • Identify a child or young person’s strengths and needs.
  • Co-construct outcomes for the child or young person.
  • Agree and plan strategies and next steps.
I can also offer individual assessment of children’s needs as part of a consultation approach, therapeutic intervention, psychological supervision, and bespoke professional development and training.
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Qualifications

  • Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (FHEA), University of Exeter, 2022.
  • Doctorate in Educational, Child and Community Psychology, University of Exeter, 2013.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Education, 2010.
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology, 2008.

I am a Chartered Psychologist and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Practitioner Psychologist.

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Training

  • BPS Approved Certificate in Clinical Supervision (Pending, 2026)
  • Heart and Hands: Embedding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into Your Practice (ConnectEd, 2024)
  • ACT for Adolescents: Helping young people grow with psychological flexibility (Dr Louise Hayes, 2023)
  • Supervision Champion (University of Birmingham, 2021)
  • Dyadic Developmental Practice and Psychotherapy (DDPI Approved Level 2, 2021)
  • Story Stem Assessment Profile (SSAP) Accredited Administrator (Anna Freud Centre, 2021)
  • Prosocial Group Facilitator (Prosocial World, 2020)
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Frequently asked questions...

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An educational psychologist is a qualified psychologist who works with children and young people to support their learning, development and wellbeing.

Educational psychologists focus on how children learn and what helps or gets in the way. They often work with schools, early years settings and local authorities. Their work commonly involves children and young people aged 0 to 25.

An educational psychologist may:

  • Help schools understand a child’s learning, behaviour or emotional needs.
  • Support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
  • Jointly develop strategies to support learning and inclusion.
  • Contribute to statutory assessment processes.
  • Support staff training and professional development.

Educational psychologists use psychological theory, research and assessment to inform practical advice. They work collaboratively with educators, families, and other professionals. Their role is not to diagnose medical conditions, but to help settings understand needs and plan effective support.

Further information about the role of EPs can be found on the EdPsy website.

I provide problem-solving consultation, psychological supervision, reflective practice and professional development. The focus is on supporting schools, settings and professionals through psychologically informed practice.
I am able to work with schools and settings face to face in the Bristol area. I offer some online support for schools outside this area, depending on the type of work requested.
The local authority educational psychology service is likely to be the first point of contact for a school or setting. Alongside my role at the University of Exeter, I can offer a small amount of support to schools and settings on a private basis. This work is intended to add capacity, flexibility, or additional psychological input alongside the local authority offer.
I do not usually offer assessment as a standalone activity. I primarily work through a consultation model. This involves meeting with key staff to understand the context, concerns, and current support in place. During this meeting, we may agree that some direct work with a child or young person would be helpful. I also encourage schools and settings to plan a review meeting following my involvement, to reflect on impact and next steps.

I am experienced in carrying out assessments for specific learning difficulties for adults as part of higher education access arrangements. These assessments follow the process set out by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) and are typically used to inform reasonable adjustments and support within higher education settings. Please contact me directly for further information.

Initial contact can be made by schools and settings using the website contact form. Personal or sensitive information about a child or young person should not be included at this stage. A follow up conversation will be arranged to plan next steps.
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