The research from Ofsted found that a lack of access to specialist help means more primary school children with additional needs are being referred to alternative provision (AP), with around 7,000 primary-age children in England currently known to be in AP.
The DECP has long been concerned with the issue of school exclusions and their long-lasting impact on children and young people’s outcomes, and the lack of access to educational psychologist services for all children across the education system. This rise in children being placed into AP highlights the need for schools and staff to have ready access to educational psychologists who can provide evidence-based interventions and support.
