Olivia – Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant | Aspiring Educational Psychologist | Loughborough University
Olivia is a compassionate and academically high-achieving Psychology graduate from Loughborough University, currently averaging First Class Honours and pursuing a long-term career in Educational Psychology. Through both her studies and extensive experience supporting vulnerable children within a foster care environment, she has developed a strong understanding of child development, mental health, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
Olivia is particularly passionate about supporting pupils with additional needs, helping them overcome barriers to learning and ensuring they feel safe, understood and empowered to succeed.
Education & Qualifications
- BSc Psychology (Currently averaging First Class Honours – 73%): Loughborough University
- A Levels: Psychology (A), Sociology (A), Philosophy (A): Esher Sixth Form College
- GCSEs including Mathematics (7) and English (7): Cobham Free School
Experience Summary
Olivia brings a unique combination of academic excellence and hands-on experience supporting children with complex emotional and behavioural needs. Her extensive involvement within a foster care environment has given her valuable insight into trauma, attachment difficulties and emotional regulation, making her particularly well suited to SEN and pastoral support roles.
- Over six years of experience supporting children with complex emotional and behavioural needs through foster care support
- Developed strong understanding of trauma, attachment difficulties, neurological differences and emotional dysregulation
- Supported behaviour management and emotional regulation strategies alongside foster carers
- Built trusting relationships with vulnerable children through patience, empathy and consistency
- Developed excellent safeguarding awareness and understanding of supporting vulnerable young people
- Volunteered as an English Teaching Volunteer in Vietnam, delivering lessons and supporting children's learning and engagement
- Strong academic background in Psychology, with particular interests in child development, mental health and educational psychology
- Developed research, data analysis and critical thinking skills through degree studies and dissertation work
- Aspiring Educational Psychologist seeking to gain valuable school-based SEN experience
- Brings excellent communication, organisation and relationship-building skills developed through both voluntary and professional roles
Key Strengths
- Aspiring Educational Psychologist
- Strong understanding of child development and psychology
- SEN and additional needs awareness
- Trauma-informed approach
- Emotional regulation and wellbeing support
- Behaviour management and positive relationship building
- Safeguarding awareness
- Excellent communication and active listening skills
- Empathetic, patient and nurturing approach
- Strong academic background in Psychology
- Research and analytical skills
- Resilient, adaptable and highly motivated
- Passionate about supporting vulnerable children and young people
- Committed to inclusion and positive educational outcomes