Cert Advanced Course for Psychologists Tavistock Clinic,
Children and Families 1980-1

Postgraduate Diploma: Child Forensic Studies Psychology and Law, Universities of Leeds and Portsmouth July 2005

Currently studying MSc Forensic Studies, Children and Law Universities of Leeds and Portsmouth. 

Professional accreditation

• Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS), Member of the Association of Educational Psychologists, Affiliate Member of the Divisions of Neuropsychology and Forensic Psychology (BPS). 

• Relevant Professional Experience

• 30 years experience as a qualified child and educational psychologist. Regular assessments of children and young people. Many of these assessments have been part of legal procedures such as advice to the local education authorities on special educational needs or child protection issues.  Court attendance on behalf of the local authority as plaintiff, also in access cases.

• London Borough of Enfield, senior educational psychologist (1982-1990) managing a team of psychologists, responsibility for developing services for children under fives, with the Inspector for Special Needs, training across LEA on implications of new legislation in that period (i.e. 1981 Education Act, 1988 Education Reform Act, Elton Report on behaviour).

• In the London Borough of Hillingdon  (1990 - 1995) as the principal educational psychologist and, for 18 months, special services manager, assessing whether children had special educational needs, preparing Statements of special needs, preparing cases for appeals, tribunals and court, and supporting staff working in this area.  Management of educational psychologists, social workers and advisory teachers as well as service for communication difficulties. Senior officer delegated to liaise with Social Services and Health Trust. During this time set up service for those with dyslexia/specific learning difficulties and appointed specialist staff in this area whom I managed. 

• Since 1996, working as a freelance educational psychologist carrying out assessments of children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs.  I see both children and adults for assessments of communication disorders.  My specialism is autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

• In-depth interview with parents or carers always an essential part of assessment

• As well as assessment, I have also taken part in training.  Honorary Regional Tutor, University of Birmingham (1993-2002) for postgraduate course for teachers of children with autism.  Helped to set up services for students with ASD in further and higher education. Published small book on supporting young people with ASD who are 16+.  Occasional training for schools in supporting those with ASD, identification of special needs etc.

• Assessments for cases of educational negligence, both for Claimant and Defendant (50/50).  These have been in dyslexia, language, ‘duty of care’ cases concerned with bullying and Asperger Syndrome.  I am well used to researching background to such cases.

• Medico-legal assessments of young people involved in accidents (especially road traffic incidents, dog bites, playground) and claiming compensation. Mostly for Claimant, small percentage joint instruction

• Assessments of young people with special needs (up to about 23 years of age) before the Courts for criminal offences.

• Assessments of the special education needs of children in Care Proceedings. In addition advising the Court where child or parent has Asperger Syndrome. Looking at issues of attachment and how this too affects behaviour. In all cases joint instructions.

• Assessor and Verifier for the British Psychological Society’s Certificate in Educational Testing.  For this I need to be conversant with a wide range of psychometric techniques used for assessing young people and adults.