Contact Dr Will Shield

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

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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For Parents and Carers

I may be asked to work with your child to help teachers to understand their learning, development, or wellbeing more clearly. My role is to support the school and others to think more clearly about what is happening, what is working, and what may help next.
I do not currently work directly for parents or carers. I would encourage parents to speak to their child’s teacher or school SENCO in the first instance.
No. I do not provide support in relation to SEND tribunals.
No, I am not a therapist or a counsellor. Any individual work with children and young people may draw upon therapeutic principles, including tools from approaches such as personal construct theory, solution-focused brief therapy, or acceptance and commitment therapy. This would be discussed and agreed during the initial consultation.
My involvement will typically start with an initial consultation involving key adults to develop a shared understanding of your child’s strengths and needs. We may agree some individual educational psychology work following this consultation, for example a meeting with your child to gain their views about education, or some assessment work to explore their approach to learning.
Educational psychologists are not qualified to give medical diagnoses. Parents and carers should speak to the school SENCO or their GP about local assessment pathways.
I do not offer standalone assessments for children and young people to diagnose specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. My work focuses on understanding children’s strengths and needs and supporting inclusive practice, regardless of diagnosis.
Confidentiality is handled in line with professional and legal standards. I practise in accordance with the Health and Care Professions Council standards of conduct and the ethical guidance of the British Psychological Society. Information is stored and processed in line with data protection law and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office.