About Dr April Ward – Clinical Psychologist
I am the founder and director of Parental Psychology, mother and HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist. I have over 15 years’ experience working in the NHS and mental health services including mother and infant mental health and mental health of learning disabilities services. I understand the challenges of accessing services, so I’ve created Parental Psychology so I can give support to families when they need it. It also means I can tailor my support to the unique needs of each family. I can include help with pregnancy and postpartum adjustments, parenting skills, child development, behavioural challenges and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents who have experienced difficulties in their own childhood, such as neglect or abuse.
As a mother and a professional, I understand the complexities of parenting and the importance of creating a supportive and loving environment for your family. My mission is to provide parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge they need to create a healthy and nurturing environment for their family. I’m passionate about supporting families struggling with challenges related to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD.
I work integratively and draw on Compassion Focused Therapy, Systemic, psychodynamic, and attachment-based therapy models. I’m trained in EMDR so I can support individuals who are struggling with their mental health after a traumatic event. I also conduct expert witness assessments for family and civil courts. I can provide face-to-face therapy sessions in Whitstable, Kent, or online support for those who may not be able to make it to our therapy rooms.
Thank you for choosing Parental Psychology. We look forward to working with you and your family.
Dr April Ward
Clinical Psychologist
(HCPC Registered)
Testimonials
Associates
Mary Hulatt – Nursery Nurse and Postnatal Doula
Mary Hulatt has been a qualified Nursery Nurse for over 40 years,
specialising in perinatal mental health for the last 15 years. She holds a National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) certification, as well as certifications in Infant Massage (IAIM), Breast Feeding Guidance (UNISEF), and Video Interaction Guidance (VIG). Mary is dedicated to helping families navigate the often challenging and overwhelming experience of caring for a new baby.
Mary’s specialties include prenatal support, helping parents understand and bond with their newborns, and providing personalised care for both mother and baby. She is skilled in changing, bathing, and feeding demonstrations, and can offer guidance on a wide range of baby-related topics, from feeding and weaning to sleeping, crying, and routines. She is also an expert in baby care, day-to-day activities, and play ideas, and is trained in mindfulness techniques such as “watch wait and wonder.”
One of Mary’s unique strengths is her ability to help parents understand and attune to their baby’s needs. With her Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) training, she can help parents see their own attunement with their baby, which can be especially beneficial for those who are struggling to bond or interact with their newborn. Mary is also an expert in confidence building and role modelling and can help new parents develop the skills they need to provide the best care for their baby. Mary provides home visits, allowing you to feel comfortable in your own environment.
If you’re looking for a qualified, experienced, and compassionate nursery nurse to support you and your baby, Mary is here to help. With her extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, she is the perfect choice for families looking for guidance, support, and peace of mind as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood.
Mary Hulatt
Qualified Nursery Nurse
Danielle Lee – SENCO and SEND Specialist
With over 20 years of experience in education and 15 years as a SENCO and SEND specialist, I am passionate about creating inclusive environments where every child can thrive. I have worked across the full age range from Early Years Foundation Stage through to Post-16, bringing a deep understanding of how needs evolve at every stage of a young person’s educational journey. I have extensive expertise in leading SEND and Inclusion across multi-academy trusts, working closely with young people, families, and professionals to build strategies that meet diverse and complex needs. My knowledge spans all areas of SEND, including the application and management of EHCPs, challenging local authority decisions, and navigating the mediation and tribunal processes to secure the right support for children and young people.
I strongly believe that education should be fully adaptable to meet the needs of every learner. Through a collaborative approach between schools and families, we can ensure both wellbeing and learning are prioritised to create the best possible outcomes. Research consistently shows that when schools and families work together, children are more likely to experience success, with improved engagement, attendance, and emotional wellbeing. Children thrive when the adults around them work as a team, I believe that by fostering strong partnerships between parents, educators, and the child themselves, we can create a network of support that not only meets educational needs but also nurtures confidence and emotional resilience. I understand the frustrations families face with the increasing bureaucracy of the education system and the barriers this can create. My aim is to help break down these barriers, providing practical, informed support that empowers parents and schools to work together effectively for the benefit of the child.
A significant part of my work focuses on supporting children experiencing anxiety-based school avoidance, helping them to feel safe, understood, and able to re-engage with education at a pace that works for them. I have developed specialist knowledge in this area through involvement in local authority pilot projects alongside educational psychologists, contributing to innovative and holistic approaches for this growing need. I provide practical, accessible resources and small-stepped strategies that are carefully tailored to each individual child, recognising that no two journeys are the same. This experience allows me to confidently support families and schools through the challenges of school avoidance, ensuring that together we can create realistic, compassionate plans that lead to lasting and positive reintegration.
With specialist knowledge of SEND law, statutory processes, and inclusive practice, I provide clear, informed guidance to families and schools navigating what can often feel like a complex and overwhelming system.
I am committed to making education accessible for all—recognising that true inclusion goes beyond academic achievement and must consider the whole child. By placing each young person’s unique needs at the centre, I work to create sustainable, meaningful solutions that allow every learner the chance to thrive, ensuring that education is not just a place to learn, but a place to feel safe, valued, and supported.
Danielle Lee
SENCO and SEND specialist