Shortage of Psychologists Threatens Support for Special Needs Students

A recent article in The Guardian highlights the alarming shortage of educational psychologists in the UK and its impact on children with special educational needs (SEND). Dr. Gavin Morgan, Chair of the Division of Educational and Child Psychology at the British Psychological Society, warns that accessing crucial support and Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) is becoming increasingly difficult due to this shortage.

With local authorities facing budget constraints and an overwhelming number of children requiring assessments, the lack of qualified psychologists is creating a "postcode lottery" for SEND support. This means that the level of assistance a child receives depends heavily on their location and the availability of resources.

The article emphasises the urgent need for more educational psychologists to address the backlog of assessments and ensure early intervention for children with SEND. Early intervention is crucial in preventing challenges from escalating and can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.

Dr. Morgan calls on the government to prioritise the recruitment and retention of educational psychologists as part of its commitment to reforming the SEND system. This investment is necessary to guarantee that all children, regardless of their location, have access to the support they need to thrive.

Link to the Guardian Link to the Guardian article