I am Dr Abigail Miranda, an Educational and Child Psychologist. I completed my doctoral training at UCL in 2016. I have worked with over 500 children and families during my career. As well as being a psychologist, I have worked with children in secondary schools, children out of education, care experienced children, children in youth parliament, and children who have offended. It has been my role to help the most disenfranchised children get the best education possible. My practice is rooted in the belief that relationships are the key to helping every child thrive. This involves finding out the strengths and needs of the child, as well as finding out what adults can do to ensure they have the best environment possible for their development and achievement.

My approach is not just idealistic. I have experience working in a school environment, experience as a school governor, and as a parent of two children, so my recommendations are developed with what is feasible in mind. No situation is ‘one size fits all,’ which is why my approach depends on what is needed for the child. This might mean working directly with the child, or it could be helping parents and teachers to best understand them. My approach also involves supporting families through legal processes to ensure that their child receives the support they are entitled to, and that they are treated with dignity in their setting.

Whilst all psychologists are professionally obliged to consider equality and diversity in their practice, I pride myself on practicing in a way that is non-discriminatory and affirmative for children and families with marginalised identities. It is important for me to spend time getting to know each child I work with, so they feel as comfortable and at ease as possible. My core aim in my written work is to produce accurate descriptions of a child’s strengths and needs, considering how they may feel if they read it in future. I will always represent the child’s views, and this includes considering the perspectives of babies and pre-verbal children.