From Transactional to Transformational: A Trust-Wide Approach to Educational Psychology

For the past two years, Applied Psychologies has partnered with Whitewoods Primary Academy Trust to explore what Educational Psychology can look like when it moves beyond a transactional model.

Whitewoods Trust, a group of 16 primary schools across Rotherham, serves a diverse community — from small church schools to areas of significant disadvantage.

Their work is guided by their core values, the 4 Cs: Child Centred, Collaborative, Curious and Challenging, with a clear ambition to work with leaders, staff and communities so that every child can reach their full potential.

A Different Kind of Partnership

Whitewoods made a conscious decision to move away from a model focused primarily on individual assessment and securing funding.

“We wanted to move beyond a transactional relationship. Applied offers a more holistic service that aligns with our values.” – Kate Davies, CEO

This shift marked a move away from isolated activity and individual assessment towards a joined-up, long-term approach focused on meaningful impact across the Trust.

Over time, the partnership has evolved from casework and one off training sessions into a more systemic model — supporting SENCo networks, facilitating hub development, and working alongside leaders to shape strategic priorities.

Building Capacity, Not Dependency

A central focus of the work has been strengthening the confidence and capability of staff across the Trust. Through training, consultation and structured problem-solving, staff are increasingly equipped to:

• Understand the needs behind behaviour

• Respond in more inclusive and supportive ways

• Make confident, informed decisions

• Develop effective systems to support SEND

Educational Psychology time is used both within schools and across the Trust, creating space to think, plan and work strategically.

As Izzi Herbert, Educational Psychologist, explains:

“I sat with a SENCo recently and just showed them how the EHCP hub worked. We looked at the deadlines — what needed doing in five weeks, three weeks, yesterday — and how to create a system to deal with it.”

This kind of input creates clarity and reduces pressure, enabling staff to focus their time more effectively.

Izzi also reflects on how this aligns with the Trust’s ethos:

“It feeds into the Trust ethos… calm, thoughtful, rationalised, always keeping children at the heart of it.”

Impact Across the Trust

The impact of this work is being felt at every level:

“Isobel feels like part of the team. There is a genuinely open and trusting relationship that allows for high challenge and high support. It has impacted at every level, but most importantly has strengthened our trust approach and supported SENCos in considering their role more holistically.” – Kate Davies

Across the Trust, this has led to:

• A shift towards preventative, needs-led practice

• Stronger, more strategic SEND leadership

• Greater consistency across schools

• Increased staff confidence and shared understanding

As Izzi reflects:

“Predictability leads to preventability… children and young people need predictability… and SENCOs need this too. Our systemic model and focus on preventative work stop schools going into crisis, it reduces stress.”

She also highlights the importance of ongoing professional dialogue:

“Staff supervision and consultations bring up so many topics that begin to upskill staff, helping them grow in confidence.”

Value in a Challenging Climate

In a time of tight budgets, Whitewoods Trust has been deliberate in how it invests in Educational Psychology:

“We can waste so much resource by receiving poor advice or support that isn’t joined up. This is also a fantastic source of professional development.” – Kate

By pooling time, prioritising training, and focusing on approaches that build internal capacity, the Trust is ensuring its investment leads to lasting change rather than short-term fixes.

This is not about doing more — it’s about doing the right work, in a way that is coherent, strategic and sustainable.

Looking Ahead

As the sector continues to evolve, Whitewoods is clear about the need to think differently:

“We are at a point in time where we need to approach things more innovatively.” – Kate

The partnership continues to develop, with a focus on embedding trust-wide systems, strengthening leadership, and ensuring that inclusive practice is sustainable for the future. As a service we’re excited to see where the next two years takes us.

Dr Izzi Herbert Kate Davies

Educational Psychologist CEO

Applied Psychologies Whitewoods Primary Academy Trust

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If you’re interested in exploring a more systemic, partnership-based approach to Educational Psychology, we’d love to start a conversation. Email us on info@appliedpsychologies.com. To learn more about Whitewoods Trust, visit Home | White Woods Primary Academy Trust