About
Effective 1st September 2026, Psychology4Learning is led by joint owners and Directors Claire Olliffe and Sharon Evans. Both have played vital roles in shaping and providing our professional services since the start of the firm in 2016.
Psychology4Learning is an independent educational psychology practice dedicated to helping children and young people thrive. We work in partnership with families, schools, academies, trusts, local authorities, and other professionals to understand individual strengths and needs, remove barriers to learning, and improve outcomes for children and young people. Our team provides high-quality educational psychology services, specialist teacher assessments, consultation, training, supervision, and evidence-based interventions, all tailored to the unique needs of the children and communities we support.
Established on the principles of collaboration, integrity, and inclusion, Psychology4Learning has developed a strong reputation for delivering practical, personalised, and child-centred support. We believe that the most effective outcomes are achieved when children, families, and professionals work together, and our approach reflects this in everything we do. Whether we are supporting an individual child, advising a school, or delivering training to staff teams, our focus remains on creating meaningful and lasting positive change.
Our Story
Psychology4Learning was established in 2016 by a small team of Buckinghamshire based educational psychologists and a Business Director, who shared a commitment to providing thoughtful, responsive and high-quality educational psychology support.
A New Chapter for Psychology4Learning
After many years of dedicated service to children, families, schools and colleagues, Dr Robert Beadel and Dr Paula Williams stepped down as Directors of Psychology4Learning at the end of August 2026. Their expertise, leadership and commitment have made a lasting contribution to the organisation and to the many children and young people supported through its work.
From 1 September 2026, Claire Olliffe and Sharon Evans became the joint owners and Directors of Psychology4Learning. Having both been closely involved in the development and delivery of services, they are committed to building on the strong foundations established by Rob, Paula and Claire while continuing to develop responsive support for schools, families and local authorities.
While this marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation, it is very much business as usual. Our values, commitment to quality, and focus on delivering responsive, evidence-based services remain unchanged. Clients can continue to expect the same high standards of professional practice, collaborative working, and personalised support that Psychology4Learning has always been known for.
Statment of Principles
The work of Psychology4Learning is informed by the Health and Care Professions Council ‘Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics’ and the British Psychological Society ‘Code of Conduct'.
The following are our Statement of Principles:
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The aim of P4L is to promote the best outcomes for children and young people in their families and communities.
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The primary client of P4L is the child or young person and our work is intended to further their interests. Within this framework, our advice will be independent of any competing interests, personal or institutional.
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P4L works in partnership with children, young people, the adults involved with their care, and the professionals involved.
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P4L is committed to supporting a positive and nurturing environment, facilitating learning and taking account of the developing evidence-base relevant to our work.
The Statement of Principles underpin all of the work undertaken by Psychology4Learning and our associate educational psychologists.
Meet the Team
Claire Olliffe
Owner and Business Director
Sharon Evans
Owner, Director & Educational Psychologist
I founded Psychology4Learning Ltd with a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people through accessible, high-quality educational psychology and specialist teaching services. As Business Director, I focus on developing and managing the business so that we can continue delivering excellent support to schools, families, and local authorities.
As an Educational Psychologist, I am driven by a commitment to applying psychological expertise to improve the lives of children and young people. I am passionate about understanding how children learn, develop, and experience the world around them, and about using this understanding to inform effective support and positive change. Psychology offers a unique lens through which we can make sense of complex needs, identify strengths, and develop evidence-based approaches that enhance wellbeing, learning, and inclusion. I believe that by combining professional expertise with genuine curiosity, empathy, and collaboration, Educational Psychologists can help create brighter futures for children, young people, and those who support them.
Anna Skinner
Educational Psychologist
Dr. Carolyn Beecham
Educational Psychologist
Dr. Clare Otter
Educational Psychologist
One of the reasons I love being an Educational Psychologist is that every day is different: every person, learning environment and perception of events is unique. It is a privilege to work with others to explore a situation and develop personalised ways forward. As Educational Psychologists we are often asked for support when things feel stuck. As well as bringing clarity around needs and next steps, our involvement can also shine a light on a child’s strengths and their support system’s existing efforts and successes. I take an interactionist perspective, understanding that children and young people thrive through supportive relationships and surroundings. Drawing on my professional training and background as a teacher, parent, play worker and volunteer, I know that applying psychological expertise makes a real difference to children’s learning and wellbeing. I feel passionate about doing this as an Educational Psychologist with P4L.
Dr. Deb King
Educational Psychologist
Jo Ward
Educational Psychologist
As an EP I am driven by a desire to help children and young people to make the most of learning experiences so that they can grow, connect and thrive academically and emotionally. I believe that psychology provides a unique framework for understanding children and young people in the context of their development, relationships and experiences. My own experience has taught me that the best outcomes are achieved by working collaboratively with those who know the child best, including families, education staff and other professionals. In that way, knowledge, perspectives and expertise are combined to create supportive and inclusive learning environments.
Dr. Joy Boughton
Educational Psychologist
As an EP, my practice is driven by core professional values such as connection, collaboration and giving voice to others through an aspirational and strengths-based focus. I apply a holistic approach to psychology to ensure CYP have the equality of access and opportunity they need to flourish within education and beyond.
Mary Grashoff
Specialist Teacher
Monica Gehrke
Educational Psychologist
Dr. Paula Wiliams
Educational Psychologist
Rachel Eastwood
Educational Psychologist
Dr Robert Beadel
Educational Psychologist