The shortage of educational psychologists (EP) is having a “significant impact” on councils’ ability to meet SEND needs, the council ombudsman has warned.
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said an investigation into a Surrey girl’s nine-month wait to receive additional learning support exposed a backlog of about 1,000 needs assessments awaiting input from an EP.
EPs play a fundamental role in assessing the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities for educational, health and care plans (EHCP).
LGSCO said the council blamed a national shortage of qualified psychologists and other key professionals who informed the EHCP process.
