§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what assessment his Department 1059W has made of future (a) demand and (b) supply of educational psychologists across local education authorities; and if he will make a statement; [176060]
(2) how many qualified educational psychologists were employed by local education authorities in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement. [176061]
§ Margaret HodgeDecisions on the recruitment, retention and deployment of educational psychologists (EPs) are matters for local authorities as employers to determine in light of local circumstances and available resources.
We are aware that there are shortages of EPs in some areas and that, as with other professions, there is a likelihood of a good many experienced staff retiring in the near future. In view of this, the Department has facilitated discussions involving a range of partners, including representatives of the Local Government Association, on developing a new shorter entry training route for EPs. The scheme under discussion would ensure EPs qualifying in six rather than eight years. Years 1–3 would be the Psychology degree course followed by a further three years of postgraduate training built around work placements. Years 4–6 would be managed by higher education institutions in partnership with local authorities.
The new route would require significant additional funding, the case for which will need to be considered within the wider context of the 2004 Spending Review. Ministers are currently considering the final allocation of the SR settlement in the light of our overall priorities.
As regards the number of EPs employed by local authorities, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 4 May 2004, Official Report, column 1420W.