BPS responds to IFS report on SEND funding in England

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has published a new report entitled Spending on special educational needs in England: something has to change. Responding to the report's key findings, Dr Gavin Morgan, chair of the Division of Educational and Child Psychology at the British Psychological Society, said:

"We agree with the IFS's recommendation that early intervention is in the best interests for all children and young people in the SEND system. Working proactively with children, families, and teachers in partnership, at the earliest possible opportunity can help difficulties and challenges from becoming entrenched in the first place.

"It is also encouraging to see the IFS highlight that improving access to educational psychologists is vital to wider reform of the SEND system. However, this is only achievable if there is a workforce to meet soaring demand. We must ensure there are enough educational psychologists being trained and retained in local authorities. 

"The number of people requesting an Education, Health, and Care assessments has risen by 71% in the last six years in England. Targeted investment is needed to make sure that all our schools are linked with a named educational psychologist from their local authority, providing services free at the point of delivery."