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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.

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 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.

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. 

Following the resignation of Cath Lowther as the General Secretary of the Association with effect from 31 December 2024, in accordance with the AEP’s Constitution, nominations are now invited from members for election to the post of General Secretary of the Association, to serve for a term of four years from the date of election to the post.

Following a recent announcement in the Assembly, Education Minister for Northern Ireland, Paul Givan has today published the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda and five-year Delivery Plan.

Following the close of nominations on 12th December 2024, we received two eligible nominations were received for the post of Newly-Qualified Member on the AEP National Executive Committee.

The UK parliament's Public Accounts Committee has today released its report ‘Support for children and young people with special educational needs’ highlighting significant challenges in the current SEND system, describing it as at ‘crisis point’, and provided key recommendations for improvement.

Cath Lowther has stepped down as General Secretary of the AEP and is returning to direct practice as an Educational Psychologist.

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.

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.

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.