Report: English Councils Need 1,400 More Educational Psychologists
A new report by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) reveals that councils in England must hire 1,400 additional educational psychologists to address chronic shortages and meet rising demand from children with special needs, such as autism. The estimated cost for this 40% workforce increase is £140 million, which could potentially be covered by government grants under the new £1.8 billion 'experts at hand' fund. The research highlights significant regional disparities in service provision, noting that current staffing levels are insufficient to support schools effectively. Key drivers of increased demand include rising autism diagnoses, school avoidance, and inflexible school behavior policies. With only about 3,400 specialists currently working in England and just over 200 trainees funded annually, the sector faces high burnout and attrition rates. Experts argue that without this investment, many local authorities will continue to struggle, leaving vulnerable children without necessary support. The British Psychological Society emphasizes the need for dedicated psychologists in every school to ensure equitable access to psychological expertise for families and educational settings.
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Report: English Councils Need 1,400 More Educational Psychologists
A new report by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) reveals that councils in England must hire 1,400 additional educational psychologists to address chronic shortages and meet rising demand from children with special needs, such as autism. The estimated cost for this 40% workforce increase is £140 million, which could potentially be covered by government grants under the new £1.8 billion 'experts at hand' fund. The research highlights significant regional disparities in service provision, noting that current staffing levels are insufficient to support schools effectively. Key drivers of increased demand include rising autism diagnoses, school avoidance, and inflexible school behavior policies. With only about 3,400 specialists currently working in England and just over 200 trainees funded annually, the sector faces high burnout and attrition rates. Experts argue that without this investment, many local authorities will continue to struggle, leaving vulnerable children without necessary support. The British Psychological Society emphasizes the need for dedicated psychologists in every school to ensure equitable access to psychological expertise for families and educational settings.
The Guardian