Educational Psychologists (EPs)
Councils are addressing recruitment challenges for educational psychologists, who assess children's learning, impacting special educational needs support and EHCP processing.
Kingston upon Thames is currently facing a recruitment crisis for educational psychologists (EPs), professionals who assess and support children's learning and development, which is hindering crucial support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). At a Kingston upon Thames Schools Forum meeting in September 2026, the Specialist Expertise at Hand model was discussed, aiming to provide early intervention without formal Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan assessments.
In July 2025, Havering's People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee heard that a shortage of educational psychologists (EPs) was contributing to a significant backlog in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). A report to the committee acknowledged that permanent staff alone could not meet the demand for assessments, making it difficult to meet the statutory 20-week deadline for issuing these plans.
While no specific upcoming meetings are scheduled, the challenges of EP recruitment and the increasing demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) continue to be discussed by councils. Nationally, there was a 10.8% increase in EHCPs in England from January 2024, according to a report to Havering's People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee in July 2025.
Key facts
- Kingston schools are facing a recruitment crisis for educational psychologists and occupational therapists. Source
- A Kingston upon Thames Schools Forum meeting discussed the Specialist Expertise at Hand model in September 2026. Source
- Havering's People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee heard in July 2025 that a shortage of EPs was contributing to an EHCP backlog. Source
- A report to Havering's People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee in July 2025 acknowledged staff could not meet demand. Source
- Nationally, there was a 10.8% increase in EHCPs in England from January 2024. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.