Specialist Spotlight: Understanding executive functioning (Primary)

Meet your trainer

Holly Beavon

Educational Psychologist

As I sat here writing this, reflecting on the journey I took to practice as an Educational Psychologist, one thing that comes to mind are the reasons why I wanted to become an EP and how my interests evolved. From an early age, I was interested in the ‘why,’ ‘why do certain people behave in the way that they do?.’ This interest evolved further when I discovered that there were several interpretations from a single event from a range of people. However, in certain groups and contexts certain voices/perspectives were marginalised, discredited and at times not even considered. Based on this experience I was eager to think around how we can provide platforms to hear from the perspectives of those that can often be marginalised such as children and young people. I recognise the importance of hearing children and young people’s lived experiences and what is important to them. A further interest I have is the use of language and how this shapes individuals’ identities and their understanding of themselves.

Based on these interests, and my learning of psychology at University, I was eager to apply psychology in practice. I completed the Doctor of Educational Psychology in 2020 – 2023. I then went on to work as an Educational Psychologist in 2023 at Nottinghamshire Educational Psychology Service. I continue to learn, and each day is different, but I love that I have been able to build my interests into my work, and this is what makes each day enjoyable and interesting! 

Meet your trainer

Caroline Sutton-Reid

Caroline has worked in education since 2009 and has a passion for supporting learners with SEND. She took on the role of SENDCo and developed this working across multiple schools. Prior to taking on the role of National Delivery Coordinator for Whole School SEND, she worked as a Regional SENDCo (leading and coaching other SENDCos) for a large MAT.