AEP Manifesto: 2024
11/06/2024
We want to ensure that the next government prioritise children and young people, and acknowledge the role of EPs in schools and communities.
The General Election on Thursday 4th July 2024 presents an opportunity for change. As political parties launch their manifestos, this is a crucial moment to promote the AEP's key issues widely - for the future of EPs, for services and for the communities we serve.
We've written to all PCCs with our manifesto for England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland to let them know what issues are most important to members and the key changes we need in the education system and the workforce. You can use our member toolkit to send your own letter or email, too!
Get involved!
Members - your voice is crucial in spreading the word and sharing the priorities of EPs.
- Register to vote by 18 June! And make sure others do too - a simple step to have voices heard.
- Contact your local candidates! Ask them to support the AEP’s calls for action - help to spread the message to the new intake of Members of Parliament.
- We’ve created this toolkit to support you to engage with PPCs, including a template email to edit and send, advice on setting up a meeting with local candidates and a template press release and letter to the editor to publicise your meeting in the local press.
- Educate others about the work of EPs and their vital role in ensuring children and young people can thrive - that is why it's so important that the incoming government listen to EPs and invest in the current and future workforce.
- Share our priorities widely on social media, tagging @AEPsychologists and using our hashtag #AEPManifesto24. Use your workplace and your own networks to spread the word!
Latest News & Activity
Urgent action is needed to ensure every child in Scotland receives equitable support.
We welcome the Scottish Government’s Third Progress Report on the Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Action Plan published yesterday – but warns much more work is needed to support children and young people.
The report’s focus on inclusion, equity, and ongoing improvement is a positive step towards a more accessible and supportive education system for children and young people with additional support needs across Scotland.
Chancellor’s budget statement: extra £1billion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
The Chancellor’s budget statement included an extra £1billion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Whilst this is welcome news, we await further details on where the additional funding will be directed.
The current SEND system is failing children and young people. As educational psychologists, the growing demands of our profession’s statutory EHCP responsibilities mean that we are unable to provide early intervention support. This early intervention and support is crucial to ensuring the best outcomes for children. Urgent action is required to target investment in our profession and ensure children and young people have access to the support they need, when they need it.
Special Educational Needs system is financially ‘unsustainable’, says National Audit Office report
England’s special educational needs (SEN) system is not delivering better outcomes for children and young people; is financially unsustainable and in urgent need of reform, according to a new National Audit Office report, Support for children and young people with special educational needs.
The AEP submitted evidence to the National Audit Office inquiry in July and we are pleased with many of the recommendations outlined.
AEP Dispute - States of Jersey
With effect from October 2024, the AEP is in dispute with The States of Jersey.
This unfortunate situation has arisen due to the failure of the employer to deal appropriately with matters raised by Educational Psychologists in the course of their work.
