(2) how many educational psychologists qualified in each year since 1997;
(3) what the reasons were for reductions in funding for educational psychologists’ training; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what steps he is taking to ensure that enough educational psychologists are being trained to meet demand;
(5) what progress has been made in retrieving funding provided to local councils that was allocated to the training of educational psychologists; and if he will make a statement.
Educational psychologists (EPs) play an important role in assessing special educational needs and in helping to formulate support arrangements for children with a wide range of needs, including those with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. The value of their contribution was confirmed by a recent independent study, conducted by the School of Education, University of Manchester, published by the DfES on 31 August 2006. A copy of the report, “A Review of the Functions and Contribution of Educational Psychologists in England and Wales in light of “Every Child Matters: Changes for Children”, Research Report No 792”, was placed in the House of Commons Library, and can also be accessed via the Department’s research website:
www.dfes.gov.uk/research
Information on the number of those who qualify annually as EPs is not collected centrally.
With regard to EP entry training arrangements, and associated funding, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 25 April 2007, Official Report, columns 1181-82W.
(2) how many training places for educational psychologists were funded in each year between 2000 and 2006; how many he expects to be funded in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the level and allocation of funding by the Local Government Association.
[holding answer 30 April 2007]: Information on the number of those who qualify as educational psychologists, and the number of funded EP training places, is not collected centrally.
With regard to funding arrangements for the training of EPs, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 25 April 2007, Official Report, columns 1181-82W.