Sorca Clarke
Question:126. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the staffing crisis within the National Educational Psychological Service. [16338/24]
View answerTuesday, 16 April 2024
Questions (126)
Written answers
The number of educational psychologists currently employed in NEPS stands at 225 whole time equivalents across eight regions. This has risen from 206 whole time equivalents in 2021. This is the highest number employed in NEPS since it was established. Since the start of this school year, the NEPS service has expanded to all special schools, which is hugely important given the increased support needed for children in these settings.
The NEPS service provides access for all schools to:
• Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident
• A Casework Service for individual children where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
• A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools and
• Ongoing access to advice and support for schools.
In relation to the recruitment of educational psychologists the Department has been examining the matter of how NEPS can increase the numbers of suitably qualified staff to strengthen the response to the educational psychological needs of children in recognised primary and post-primary schools across the country. Since January 2023 NEPS is supporting bursaries for students who are enrolled in the University College Dublin (UCD) Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and the Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick’s Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology for Trainee Educational Psychologists. Those in receipt of a bursary commit to joining NEPS upon graduation. As of April 2024 there are 60 Trainee Educational Psychologists in receipt of a bursary from NEPS who are expected will fill a vacancy in NEPS upon graduation, over the next three years.
The Public Appointments Service commenced a recruitment campaign for Educational Psychologists at the end of 2023. Interviews have taken place and panels now established. The Department is actively engaging with PAS to maximise the numbers of psychologists being recruited.