John Hutchings
BSc Hons, PGCE, Cert Ed Psych, C. Psychol, AFBPsS
I have a long and established career in Educational Psychology and Special Educational Needs. I am skilled in diagnostic assessments and working with individuals, families, teachers and other professionals. My experience as a Head of SEN (which included chairing SEN Panels and formulating SEN Strategy) and as a mediator in SEN Disagreement Resolutions gives me an in-depth understanding of SEN, including legislation and the ways Local Authorities work.
I have been trained in many skills including assessment of SEN, working with families, autism, self- esteem and anti-bullying, ant-racism and bilingualism, etc. I am well networked professionally, with special educational needs, medical, legal and other specialists.
I have a long and established career in Educational Psychology and Special Educational Needs. I am skilled in diagnostic assessments and working with individuals, families, teachers and other professionals. My experience as a Head of SEN (which included chairing SEN Panels and formulating SEN Strategy) and as a mediator in SEN Disagreement Resolutions gives me an in-depth understanding of SEN, including legislation and the ways Local Authorities work.
I have been trained in many skills including assessment of SEN, working with families, autism, self- esteem and anti-bullying, ant-racism and bilingualism, etc. I am well networked professionally, with special educational needs, medical, legal and other specialists.
education
- BSc (Hons) degree Psychology from University College London
- PGCE from Goldsmiths College London
- Certificate of Educational Psychology from the Tavistock Clinic
work
Includes:
- For many years Principal Educational Psychologist (PEP), Head of SEN and Head of Pupil and Families Services for an Inner London Local Authority
- Currently PEP in a small Inner London Local Authority
- Currently the EP in an Early Years autism team in a London Local Authority
- Currently the sole mediator for an SEN Disagreement Resolution Service for a London Local Authority
- Teaching in Primary Education (a description of my teaching of English was featured in the book ‘The Language of Primary School Children’ by Connie & Harold Rosen)
- Registration as an Expert Witness on the British Psychological Society Register of Expert Witness and an Expert Witness
- Work within the legal sector as an Expert Witness
- Member (and previous chair) of the management group of the national EP autism special interest group which organises study days for EPs
- Organisation and delivery of courses and conferences on a variety of subjects.
- Continual updating of my skills through Continual Professional Development (CPD)
voluntary work
- Many years as Educational Psychology advisor to the Hyam Wingate Foundation Scholarships
professional memberships and registrations
- Health and Care Professions Council
- British Psychology Society
- Division of Educational and Child Psychology
- Association of Educational Psychologists
- Association of Child & Adolescent Mental Health
- National Association for Special Educational Needs
- Autism Special Interest Group
- Criminal Records Bureau check
- Association of Child Psychologists in Private Practice
- London and Home Counties SEN Officers Group
- Expert Witness Certificate from Cardiff University (Bond Solon) 2009