Career move from SENCO to Educational Psychologist

[SENCOMama]

I’m thinking about a possible change in career from SENCO to EP. Does anyone know anyone who has done this or has done it themselves? Any advice welcome. Thank you 🙏🏻

Hi SENCOMama,

We're no experts in this field sadly but it sounds like an interesting career either way! We wanted to say hi and give this a bump for you - hopefully some of our users will be along to offer you their advice soon.

Good luck whatever you decide

I’ve thought about it. My first degree wasn’t in psychology which makes things more difficult and I also don’t have the ability to fund the 3/4 year doctorate, so I pretty much ruled it out as a lengthy expensive process!

Our EP did his Masters (back before you needed a doctorate) which was luckily a funded place, and then about 5 years ago, did the doctorate whilst working part time.

Hiya - the ticket to the EdPsych train is Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of BPS, so a Psychology undergrad which includes that or a conversion degree eg. MEd in Psychology of Education (I did the latter and there were a number of teachers doing it part time, some of whom were SENCOs). Sure some others will be able to give better advice about the actual doctorate! (I'm also following for my own benefit!).

www.aep.org.uk/training/want-to-be-an-ep/

The doctorate is funded now - however very competitive.

I'm not a SENCO but am doing my conversion masters with a view to becoming an EP. There are some really good Facebook groups with lots of advice too.

Thank you so much. Am new to all this!

Thank you - that’s useful to know.

I would need to do a conversion course too - how are you finding it?

Hi there. I work in SEND for a local authority and work closely alongside EPs. As others have said it's extremely competitive. You will need a psychology degree before applying for the doctorate course. We regularly have trainee EPs working with us and they say that most trainees try for 2 to 3 years before getting onto the course. As others have said Facebook groups are extremely helpful and provide support when applying. You will have a great advantage by being a teacher and SENCO and your experiences will be invaluable. I would recommend talking to the EP that links with your school as he/she may be able to offer further advice. Good luck and go for it! 😁

Thank you @howdidigettobe50something that’s so useful. I didn’t realise how competitive it was but these are the things I need to know!

@SENCOMama

I would need to do a conversion course too - how are you finding it?

Very doable, it's all online and I'm doing it part time over two years while working three days a week.