By Gavin Mackintosh-
Educational psychologists, the dedicated professionals responsible for assessing the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND have decided to vote in favor of strike action over pay.
The Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) has announced a resounding victory, with a 70 percent turnout in its national ballot and a staggering 86 percent voting in favor of industrial action.
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These figures comfortably surpass the thresholds set by the government, marking a significant moment in the history of educational psychology.
Educational psychologists are the silent champions behind the scenes, tirelessly working to ensure that children with SEND receive the support and attention they deserve. This commitment to the well-being of children has been a hallmark of educational psychology for decades.
Ballots for strike action met the thresholds in 130 out of 157 council areas, with an additional six councils voting in favor of action short of a strike.
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The resounding support for industrial action reflects the deep-seated concerns among educational psychologists about their pay and the impact it has on their ability to deliver quality services.
The AEP, representing approximately 3,600 members across the UK, is spearheading this movement. Their primary concern revolves around the pay offer for 2022, which amounted to a rise of £1,925. While on the surface, this may appear as a commendable increase, the reality is that it averages to just a 3 percent rise, a meager figure that pales in comparison to the much higher levels of inflation.
This pay offer, which does not adequately account for the increased cost of living, has ignited a spark within the educational psychology community.
Dr. Cath Lowther, the general secretary of the AEP, has been at the forefront of this struggle. She underscores the importance of her members’ commitment to ensuring that children receive the psychological support they need. Dr. Lowther acknowledges the dedication of educational psychologists, who help “tens of thousands of children and young people and their families” annually.
The historical context of this struggle is not lost on Dr. Lowther. She acknowledges that despite the vital services and support provided by educational psychologists, local authorities have not made the necessary investments in the profession. This historic underinvestment has led to widespread recruitment and retention problems, which have had a cascading effect on the well-being of children with SEND.
The AEP announced that it had been presented with a “revised and improved pay offer.” While the details of this offer have not been disclosed, it presents a potential turning point in the history of this dispute. The AEP and its members are now poised to consider this revised offer carefully before making their next move.
This revised pay offer brings hope for a resolution that can benefit both educational psychologists and the children they serve. It also underscores the impact of collective action and the strength of the educational psychology community in advocating for their rights.
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