Dr Aimee Swithenbank
Director of Swithenbank Psychology Ltd.
Educational Psychologist
Who we are
Swithenbank Psychology Ltd. is a private educational psychologist service for children and adults, managed by Dr Aimee Swithenbank, based in Colchester, Essex.
Aimee obtained her Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child psychology at UCL in 2015. She has been a practising educational psychologist (EP) for nine years and has experience in both the private and LA sector. Prior to this, Aimee worked in several roles in education and adult vocational day services, supporting individuals with neurodiversity (e.g., autistic spectrum condition/ASC and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder/ADHD), learning differences (e.g., dyslexia/dyscalculia) and regulation difficulties to achieve positive outcomes.
Aimee is registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC (registration number PYL32205) – the regulator of health and care professions in the UK. Registration with the HCPC is a legal requirement for all practising EPs in the UK. She is fully insured and holds an enhanced DBS.
The issues that Aimee has special interests in are neurodiversity (e.g., ASC and ADHD), specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia and dyscalculia), cognition, and emotional factors affecting learning (e.g. low self-esteem and high anxiety).
What we do
Aimee works with schools, children and their families to provide in-depth educational psychologist assessments of children's learning needs and barriers to their education.
Aimee also provides Specific Learning Difficulty/Difference (SpLD) assessments for adults who may be struggling with aspects of their learning in higher education and/or employment, and who may need a diagnostic report for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) applications, and/or workplace adjustments and Access to Work applications.
How we work
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Assessments take place in our Colchester clinic, or remotely if preferred. Aimee does not typically visit schools unless it is a school-commissioned assessment, or she has a pre-existing arrangement and relationship with the SENCo and headteacher.
All assessments involve pre-assessment work (gathering background information via questionnaires), an individual assessment, a feedback meeting with parents/the client, and a written psychological report.
Assessments typically include standardised tests of academic and cognitive ability as well as any other activities deemed necessary for addressing the presenting concerns. All assessments are tailored to the individual's needs.
Our approach and values
Collaborative. Whether it is a parent or school-commissioned assessment, we always endeavour to gather the views of the child and the people who know the child well (e.g., their parents and the school), working with those involved to help move the situation forward.
Personalised. Every individual is unique and we tailor our assessments to meet the needs of the individual, their family and the presenting concerns.
Holistic. We always consider the individual holistically, taking into account a range of factors that can impact on learning and development. As well as pinpointing any underlying challenges, the assessment will highlight the person’s unique strengths so these can be fostered and used to their best advantage in their learning and development.
Rigorous and evidence-based. Our assessments are rigorous, thorough and use the latest technology and assessment tools to ensure reliable and valid results. Based on the assessment findings, we provide highly tailored, evidence-based recommendations to support the individual's learning and identified areas of need.
Experience and expertise. We draw on 15 years' experience in education, working with children, families, teachers/SENCo's, stakeholders and LAs across a variety of settings, in both the private and public sector.
