The number of educational psychologists working in Scotland has fallen for the fourth year in a row, with only 363 educational psychologists employed in 2016 compared to 411 in 2012
THE NUMBER OF educational psychologists working in Scotland has fallen by 12 per cent since 2012.
Figures revealed by Scottish Labour found that there are 363 educational psychologists employed in Scotland, compared to 411 in 2012.
Monica Lennon, Labour’s inequalities spokesperson, said: “For four years in a row now the number of educational psychologists treating our vulnerable young people has fallen under the SNP. At the same time, a silent crisis in mental health services for our children and young people has developed.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale raised the issue with Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister’s Questions last week regarding problems with child and adolescent mental health services for the second time since September.
“The decrease in numbers affects the work of educational psychologists to improve mental health and wellbeing in schools as well as our work supporting government outcomes on closing the gap and raising attainment.” Anne Wilson
According to Scottish Labour, there have been over 1,600 referrals for mental health treatment since Scottish Labour first raised the issue.
Lennon said: “Labour first presented the SNP with a plan to tackle mental health waiting times in September, but we have heard virtually nothing since. That simply is not good enough.
“Vulnerable young people aren’t getting the support and treatment they need because of cuts to our public services. The Scottish Parliament cannot walk by on the other side when these children are being failed so badly.”
Anne Wilson, chair of the Scottish Division of Educational Psychologists, said that the fall of the number of educational psychologists employed in Scotland is partly due to the end of Scottish Government funding for training courses and pressures on Scottish councils to cut spending.
Read more – Concerns grow over rise in students needing additional support while educational psychologists numbers fall
Wilson said: “The decrease in numbers affects the work of educational psychologists to improve mental health and wellbeing in schools as well as our work supporting government outcomes on closing the gap and raising attainment.”
Wilson added that the Scottish Division of Educational Psychologists is working “with partners and the Scottish Government to look for alternative funding solutions for the training courses”.
The Scottish Government said that it is up to each local authority to make the decisions on the number of educational psychologists that they employ.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are working in partnership with the National Scottish Steering Group for Educational Psychologists, which includes representatives from the profession and Universities, COSLA and ADES to ensure a sustainable supply of educational psychologists to meet potential future needs.
“We are working in partnership with the National Scottish Steering Group for Educational Psychologists, which includes representatives from the profession and Universities, COSLA and ADES to ensure a sustainable supply of educational psychologists to meet potential future needs.” Scottish Government spokesperson
“The group are continuing to monitor workforce planning data and trends including the number of applicants to training courses as well as the universities’ plans for student intakes.
“They are taking action, including exploring training provision, to ensure a sustainable and regular supply of educational psychologists.”
Picture courtesy of Christine Cowen
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