DfE publish research report on Educational Psychology workforce
30/06/2023
The Department for Education has published a much anticipated research report into the system, practice and reported impact of educational psychology services in England. The report was commissioned by the DfE and undertaken by researchers at the Warwick Institute of Employment Research and Ecorys. The report came to the following conclusions.
- EP services are in high demand, due in part to increasing numbers of EHCPs- but there is limited supply.
- EPs thought that there is a limited selection of their work that it would be possible for others to take on, due to the specialist training undertaken by EPs, and the amount of statutory work they conduct.
- Due to limited to capacity, EP services were generally held in high regard but issues had resulted in confusion about what services EPs were able to offer and an underutilisation of the skills and knowledge of EPs.
- The number of EPs being trained every year is unlikely to meet this demand sustainably and there is little evidence that any other supply-side interventions (e.g. Assistant EPs or lengthening the time EPs work in LAs after qualifying) would have sufficient impact to address this shortage.
The AEP and the National Association of Principal Educational Psychologists (NAPEP) gave insight and input into the report, alongside school leaders, Special Educational Needs Coordinators, parents, carers and children and young people.
Latest News & Activity
A strong start – and looking ahead together: a message from AEP General Secretary, Donna
As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a really busy and positive start to my role as General Secretary. I’m almost at the end of my first term, and I’m already looking forward to building on this momentum in 2026.
Join the National Conversation on SEND
The Department for Education has announced that Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould is hosting a series of events, run in partnership with the Council for Disabled Children, covering the department’s five principles of reform. This will provide an opportunity for parents, families and those working in the sector to share their views and ideas.
AEP Subscription Fees - 2026
As shared in the Honorary Treasurer’s Annual report, the NEC agreed to increase membership fees by 3.5 percent in 2026 to support an increase in expenditure. Fees have remained at the same level for several years, at a time of significant inflation and reduced income and this small increase is necessary to sustain the association's finances.
Educational Psychology in action: Share your work and its impact.
We want to highlight - and celebrate - best practice from our members, demonstrating the wide contribution of EP work across education, health, and community settings. This includes innovative approaches, preventative work, and projects that promote wellbeing, inclusion, and positive outcomes for children and young people.
