Kingston schools are facing a significant recruitment crisis for educational psychologists (EPs) and occupational therapists (OTs), a challenge that is hindering the implementation of crucial support services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The issue was highlighted during a Kingston upon Thames Schools Forum meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026, where the Specialist Expertise at Hand
model was discussed. This initiative aims to provide early intervention, advice, and support to schools, providers, and early years settings without the need for formal Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan assessments.
Charis Penfold stated that the recruitment of EPs and OTs is a national problem that is directly impacting the delivery of the Specialist Expertise at Hand
model. Recruitment to the specialist therapy roles required to support the Specialist Expertise at Hand (SEAH) pilot remains a key risk,
she noted. The information presented does not specify any factors unique to Kingston contributing to this problem.
The indicative budget for the Specialist Expertise at Hand
model is just over a million pounds into each of the two boroughs we work with in year one.
The funding is provided by the Department for Education and can be rolled over into year two, but not beyond. This flexibility is particularly important given the recruitment challenges, as the meeting noted, we can, because we're not the only borough who's finding it difficult to recruit, we can roll that over into year two is the current message, but not beyond.
The shortage of these specialists is a significant concern, as the model is a priority for the current year and is intended to be delivered through a cluster model. The plan also focuses on inclusivity in mainstream schools, supported by a locally developed inclusion charter and strategy. Further details on the meeting's proceedings can be found in the Public reports pack.