Educational Psychology and Wellbeing Services - Happiest Employee nomination

Amy Richards, an administrator for the Educational Psychology and Wellbeing Services (EPIC), has nominated Paula Hopkins, a Senior Educational Psychologist, at EPIC, in the Happiest School Employee category of the National Happiness Awards 2017

In support of her nomination for Paula, Amy said:

'Paula is the Senior Educational Psychologist for EPIC Educational Psychology and Wellbeing Services. As a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and a full member of the Division of Educational and Child Psychology, Paula is registered with the professional body HCPC with fifteen years of experience.

'Colleagues describe Paula as ‘Wonder Woman,' balancing her senior role, personal life and aspirations to complete her Doctorate qualification, in furthering her research into ‘teachers’ approaches to children’s anxiety.

'Adopting a warm and nurturing approach to life, Paula is kind, caring and patient with all. It appears nothing puts Paula down, always concerned about others health, happiness, and wellbeing, going the extra mile for colleagues, schools staff, children and their families. She puts in the time to support staff with their aspirations through excellent supervision and the provision of CPD opportunities.

'Wherever she goes and whatever she puts her mind to, Paula’s positivity shines. Her endless drive and dedication demonstrate her passion for ensuring Wellbeing is paramount.

'Paula places the happiness and wellbeing of pupils at the heart of her decision-making, from the initial creation of the EPIC service, including its values and vision to the provision of exceptional training, resources, and support for school staff. Paula incorporates her innovative ideas and demonstrates her enthusiasm for providing a Psychology service that meets the dynamic and diverse needs of all fifty-six of EPIC’s partner schools.

'She promotes a sound ethos throughout the service, either delivering at conferences or directly in schools. The EPIC team is empowered through support for each other. She stipulates adult: adult support is essential in a healthy system – “A happy team will deliver a positive and high-quality service.”

'Her expertise, guidance, and optimism help the EPIC team to provide a service that creates an atmosphere of trust and resilience to ultimately help empower children to overcome their difficulties and remain positive.

Paula dedicates her time to work directly with schools and families on particular case work, while managing her senior responsibilities. Schools comment on her endless efforts to support and provide.

'Paula pioneered EPIC’s Emotional-Wellbeing Survey across the Discovery Schools Academy Trust with the aim to promote the importance of child wellbeing and raise awareness towards specific children in need of emotional support and intervention.

'Paula has introduced and executed collaborative programmes, whereby schools come together to receive additional support, guidance and provide collaborative feedback on areas such as anxiety and general mental health in children.

Through this, Paula provides support for school staff, in which to ensure their happiness and confidence in their ability to deal with particular areas of need in school. Most importantly, Paula recognises that to assure the happiness and wellbeing of children, we must promote positive wellbeing, confidence, and happiness in our staff.

'She is an inspiration, with countless examples of how she uses her happiness and positivity to promote happiness and wellbeing in others. We believe it is time that Paula’s life-changing input to schools, children, and families receives recognition.'

Don't forget to nominate your school for a National Happiness Award 2017.

There are categories for Happiest School, Happiest School Employee (Teacher, Head teacher, Support Staff) and Happiest Pupil.

There is over £5000 worth of prizes to be won for the winners and runners-up.

The awards receive national coverage and will help raise the profile of your school and put wellbeing and happiness at the heart of your curriculum.

Nominations close at midnight on Friday, 20th October. Winners and runners-up will receive their prizes at a happiness-studded ceremony in London on Friday, 17th November.

Nominations close on the 20th October 2017. Don't delay - nominate today!