Balloon Educational Psychology is a small independent practice based in Kent, managed by Dr Abigail Wilson BSc PGCE MSc DEdChPsy.
Abigail is a qualified teacher and has worked as an Educational and Child Psychologist since completing the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology at the University of East London (UEL) in 2017.
Abigail worked in Local Authority before becoming an independent psychologist and has many years of experience working with children and vulnerable young people within educational settings and beyond. Abigail is also a member of the Association of Educational Psychologists. Abigail is trained in using the ADOS-2 and ADI-R as diagnostic tools in the assessment of autism in clinical settings. As a passionate supporter of neurodiversity, she promotes a person-centred approach, enabling individuals to harness their strengths and forge their own unique paths to success.
Abigail is passionate about working together with settings from early years to post 16, to provide the best outcomes for their children, young people and families.
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) Psycho-Social Sciences – University of East Anglia
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education – University of East Anglia
- Masters (MSc) in Psychology – University of Essex
- Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology – University
of East London
Memberships
- Registered with the Health & Care Professions Council – HCPC No: PYL34576.
What is Educational Psychology?
Educational Psychology aims to enhance the understanding of and support for children’s and young people’s learning, development, and well-being.
An Educational Psychologist offers consultations and assessments regarding a child’s learning, social skills, emotional well-being, and behaviour, enabling families and nursery school staff to better understand why a child may be learning or developing differently from their peers.
The most frequent referrals come from the recommendations of teachers, as well as direct referrals from parents, GPs, paediatricians, and other professionals.
Psychological assessments may include various methods such as consultations, observations, questionnaires, and one-on-one assessments. Each assessment is tailored to the child based on the specific concerns and the child’s strengths and challenges.
Using the assessment results and their expertise in psychology and child development, the Educational Psychologist collaborates with the family and nursery/school staff to create a shared understanding of the child. Together, they identify strategies, interventions, and provisions to achieve the best outcomes for the child.
Balloon educational psychology’s approach
Balloon Educational Psychology supports children and young people by:
- Putting their voice and their best interests at the centre of the work
- Identifying their academic and social strengths, and encouraging the use of these
strengths to address any difficulties they may face - Collaborating with parents, schools, and other professionals to find solutions and
provide advice on meeting their needs - Employing a holistic framework to understand them within their broader context
- Ensuring transparent communication
- Acknowledging that children learn and develop differently and have varying support needs, while embracing the uniqueness and strengths of children
Abigail lives in North West Kent and offers face to face visits at homes and schools within a reasonable distance to her home. She also offers virtual assessments.
As a parent of two children, one of whom has additional needs, her priority is to ensure that the time spent with each child or young person is as relaxed, positive, and productive as possible.
If you have any further questions about the assessment, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Abigail looks forward to discussing your queries and working together to address any concerns you may have about your child’s learning and development.
