The London Pledge for Educational Psychologists (LPEP) has been co-designed with the National Association of Principal Educational Psychologists (NAPEP) London and the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services (ALDCS). Input has been provided by the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP).
The agreement seeks to address challenges in the recruitment and retention of Educational Psychologists (EPs), focused on embedding consistent recruitment practices using evidenced protocols adapted from the Child & Family Social Worker London Pledge and subsequent DfE Statutory Guidance for Agency Child & Family Social Workers
The LPEP recognises the need for Local Authorities to respond collectively and in cooperation to address unsustainable costs and instability of services for children and families linked to increased EP agency activity. The LPEP provides clear protocols and mechanisms of control, rooted in collaboration, whilst ensuring Local Authorities can respond to local needs in times of significant pressure.
The LPEP is one part of a wider regional SEND Workforce programme focused on understanding and responding to root cause issues through direct research with the SEND workforce and strengthening collaboration through practice sharing. This work stretches beyond London as part of ongoing cooperation between all regions nationally to accelerate progress, positively impact the workforce and outcomes for children and families.
Background
The London Pledge for Educational Psychologists – the LPEP – is a pan-London agreement designed to tackle shared recruitment and retention challenges of Educational Psychologists (EPs), together. As one part of a wider SEND Workforce programme the LPEP is focused on the behaviours and trends of the agency market and aims to:
- Embed consistent recruitment practices aligned with national guidance and professional standards.
- Stabilise services for children and families by reducing reliance on costly agency arrangements.
- Promote transparency and cooperation among all 33 London Local Authorities.
We are grateful to our Managed Service Provider partners for their support in the development of the LPEP whose expertise has sharpened through supporting our implement the London Pledge for Child & Family Social Workers, now national statutory guidance.
SEND Workforce – Overview of Activities
Partners
