1.4 Education: The Lack of Support for Social Emotional Development After Early Years

1. Rachel is an experienced educational psychologist who has been working in the education sector since 2003. Her role involves understanding and addressing the developmental and educational needs of children. Rachel is passionate about bridging the gap between early years education and mainstream schooling, especially for children with special educational needs and those who have experienced developmental trauma. 

Rachel has observed significant challenges within the educational system, particularly how current education policy means that schools often prioritize academic goals over the social-emotional development of students. She advocates for a more holistic approach to education, emphasizing the importance of emotional literacy and supportive relationships in schools.  Rachel actively works on training educators and support staff to become more trauma-informed and emotionally literate, aiming to create environments where all children can thrive.  Rachel highlights the need for systemic changes within the national curriculum to better address the needs of vulnerable children.