Reflections on the Role of the Educational Psychologist Within a Multi-Academy Trust

This study details the reflections of three EPs working within a MAT (BFET) regarding their role and day-to-day practice. Reflections were ascertained during a focus group which was audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Reflection themes indicated that the EPs’ role within BFET closely mirrors the role of the EP outlined in existing literature in terms of functions and levels of working across the school age range. The EPs reflections indicate that there are a range of facilitating factors that enable them to provide a bespoke model of service delivery to schools; the EPs also undertake joint working with a SALT also employed by BFET and share knowledge and expertise both across and beyond BFET. Reflections are discussed in relation to existing literature regarding the role of the EP and the current socio-political context in which EPs work.