Sara Sivalingam

Hi, my name is Sara.

I’m an Educational Psychologist whose journey has taken me from my home in Norway to the UK, shaping my passion for supporting children and young people along the way. I first moved to London in 2018 to study Psychology and Counselling at the University of Roehampton, where I completed both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. I then returned to Norway to pursue a master’s in Educational Psychology at the University of Oslo, qualifying as an Educational Psychologist in 2024. However, my time in London left a lasting impression, and I knew I wanted to return to the city. Joining Words First has allowed me to bring my experience and passion back to a place that feels like a second home.

What drives me most in my work is seeing the potential in every child. I believe every child deserves to feel understood, supported and valued for who they are. As an Educational Psychologist, I am passionate about creating bridges between schools and families, between challenges and solutions, and between children’s needs and their strengths. I particularly enjoy working collaboratively with schools and families to develop strategies that empower young people and support their academic, emotional and personal development.

The Words First value that resonates most with me is keeping the child’s best interests at the heart of all our decisions. For me, this means putting the child at the centre of every conversation and ensuring that our approaches recognise and honour their individuality. I believe in looking beyond challenges to celebrate each child’s unique strengths, abilities and experiences, creating supportive environments where they feel heard, respected and empowered to succeed.

When I’m not working, I enjoy travelling and discovering new places. At home, I love crocheting, which helps me slow down and focus on creating something meaningful with my hands. My friends would probably describe me as warm, creative and thoughtful – qualities I hope to bring into every part of my work.