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Addressing the surge in SEND educational psychology assessments in England
How Comensura enables local authorities to meet legal and educational obligations efficiently
England has seen a sharply increased demand for Educational Psychology assessments, straining local authorities due to recruitment issues, service disparities, and assessment backlogs. This case study examines these challenges, highlights Comensura’s tailored procurement solutions, and details the positive impacts achieved for local authorities, children, and families.
2,800
assessments carried out
£4.2 million
in EP-focused spend managed across six local authorities
- The Challenge
- The Solutions
- Outcomes
- Testimonial
Recent governement figures show the number of pupils identified as having SEND in England has grown by 87,000 since 2022, now exceeding 1.5 million.
This surge has resulted in more EHCP requests, each requiring input from an educational psychologist. However, 88% of local authorities have reported severe difficulties recruiting EPs, citing pay and workload as major barriers. The shortage has created a national bottleneck, resulting in long waiting lists and increased pressure on permanent local authority teams whose morale is declining under the strain.
Service inequality further complicates access, with some local authorities offering free EP services and others charging high fees, creating a "postcode lottery." The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated educational and emotional challenges, intensifying the need for psychological support.
As a result, local authorities face legal risks for failing to obtain EP advice during statutory assessments, including tribunal challenges, ombudsman rulings, and financial penalties for delays. The backlog of EP assessments continues to grow, adversely affecting children, their families, and schools.
Access the case study PDF here
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