TUC Solidarity Hub: “We got an amazing result!”: A great ballot turnout for the AEP
15/02/2024
"It was AEP's first vote for industrial action since 2011 – but it secured an improved pay offer which members accepted."
AEP General Secretary Cath Lowther talked to the TUC about the AEP's recent negotiations and dispute over the Soulbury Pay Claim - and the successful campaign and ballot turnout achieved.
The article is a great reminder of why we must stay strong to achieve the big (and small) wins and work together to thrive as a profession and movement.
Cath is looking forward to the year ahead:
“We are now thinking about how we approach our 2024 pay claim. Talks will start again in September, but we have already initiated conversations about other issues and this time we can use some of the campaigning techniques that we learned through the industrial action period."
Latest News & Activity
Curriculum and Assessment Review’s Interim Report : the the current system is 'not delivering for every child
The curriculum and assessment review interim report was published on Tuesday 18 March. Its findings revealed the the current system is 'not delivering for every child' as it sets out its next phase of work. The AEP urges the government to use the final report to deliver bold recommendations that put SEND support at the heart of curriculum and assessment reform in the UK to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive.
The problem with Education, Health & Care Plans: AEP President comments in Schools Week
Schools Week today published a collection of articles relating to issues in the SEND system in England and Education, Health & Care Plans.
They spoke to AEP President, David Collingwood about his experience of working with EHCP plans and the serious impact of the shortage of Educational Psychologists (EPs) in Local Authorities.
Audit Scotland has published a new briefing on Additional Support for Learning.
Audit Scotland has published a new report on Additional Support for Learning.
The report raises concerns about the widening attainment gap in education, inconsistent data collection, and shortages in staff and resources affecting both pupils and education staff.
Soulbury Pay Settlement 2024
In February 2025, after careful consideration from all three Soulbury unions, the Officers' Side reluctantly accepted the 2024 pay offer.
The unions put on record their huge disappointment at this outcome, which represents yet another real terms pay cut and another significant worsening of Soulbury pay relative to teachers. The AEP National Executive Committee noted their reluctance to accept and expresses its disappointment at the Employers Side ‘final’ offer, which does not address the real terms decrease in Educational Psychologists’ pay over several years.
