This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Educational psychology training
26/02/2002
The Executive is to increase the number of educational
psychology training places and the level of financial
support available to each trainee.
Minister for Education and Young People Cathy Jamieson
made the announcement today in response to the publication
of a report on educational psychology services.
The Review of the Provision of Educational Psychology
Services - established in May last year - contains a number
of recommendations for the Executive, local authorities and
others.
Ms Jamieson said:
"We can only build a more inclusive society if we ensure
that every young person has the opportunity to reach their
full potential. In education that means offering
appropriate support. Educational psychologists are a key
part of that professional support service and their work
with children, parents, and other professionals helps
promote inclusion.
"The Executive is committed to improving the
opportunities available to children with special
educational needs. Only last week for example, I announced
radicals proposals to replace the Record of Needs with a
new Co-ordinated Support Plan.
"But to ensure improved services for children with
special educational needs, there is a clear requirement to
train more educational psychologists. It is essential that
we have the right number in Scotland to meet the
ever-increasing demands for their skills from parents and
professionals.
"That is why I am pleased to accept one of the main
recommendations of the Review - to increase the number of
training places.
"I intend to increase the number of educational
psychology training places from the current 34 to 48. In
addition, the level of Executive support available to each
trainee will increase by £4,000, to £21,425 from the start
of the new academic term. These changes will take our
financial support for educational psychologists to more
than £1m each year.
"This is my immediate response to the Review. I am
currently considering the other recommendations, and how
best to take them forward. But I am committed to providing
better integrated services for all our young people and
will consider the recommendations in that light."
In 1998, following concerns over the supply of
educational psychologists, the number of places supported
annually by the Scottish Office was increased from 24 to 30
in 1998-1999, and from 30 to 34 in 1999-2000. In addition
the level of funding available to educational psychology
trainees was increased to £20,500 per year with the
Scottish Executive providing £17,425 and education
authorities the balance of £3,075. It was also agreed that
the Executive would review the position, in consultation
with interested parties, after the new arrangements had had
time to take effect.
In May 2001, a Steering Group chaired by Eleanor Currie,
Director of Education for East Renfrewshire Council,
conducted that review. The review focused on issues
impacting on the supply and demand of educational
psychologists, and delivery of educational psychology
services across Scotland.