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
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.
