Those training as educational psychologists are to have their tuition fees paid by the Government, and will be offered bursaries towards the costs of training, the Department for Education (DfE) has announced.
The Government has earmarked £16 million over the next three years to support the training of new educational psychologists, following its review of training and funding for the profession, which found that training “needs to become more sustainable”.
The funding provided by the Government will pay for trainee’s tuition fees and provide a one-year bursary. Local authorities will provide trainees with bursaries in their second and third years.
Educational psychologists play an important role in identifying and supporting children with SEN, and are central to the statutory assessment process which determines whether children and young people are given a statement of SEN and what support that statement recommends.
Commenting on the announcement, Children’s Minister Sarah Teather said: “It’s vital we understand how children develop – emotionally and psychologically – so we can make sure they have the opportunity to thrive and succeed at school. Educational psychologists have a valuable role working with children and families in schools, and as part of early intervention projects.”
The Government review, Developing Sustainable Arrangements for the Initial Training of Educational Psychologists, is available at:
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/sen/a00200017/review-of-educational-psychologist-training
