Psychologists fear for future

The Lamb inquiry into special educational needs (SEN), published in 2009, said educational psychologists are vital in supporting children with SEN. The government accepted Lamb's recommendations in full.

But there are currently no guidelines on the number of educational psychologists needed to work with SEN pupils and other vulnerable children and young people.

Kate Fallon, general secretary of the Association of Educational Psychologists, said councils need statutory guidance on the issue.

"We've got huge concerns that local authorities are reducing the number of educational psychologists that they're employing and training because of budgetary cuts," she explained.

A Department for Children Schools and Families spokesman said: "We are going to be publishing a full response and implementation plan to Lamb in the next few weeks, which will specifically outline different models of deploying psychologists."