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Dept of Health

Answer

Mrs. Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received in relation to (i) waiting lists for appointments with child psychologists and (ii) shortages of educational psychologists in mainstream and special needs schools in England in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement. [177517] Dr. Ladyman: None. However, we recognise that further work needs to be done to reduce the waiting time for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). To help achieve this and also meet our target of having a comprehensive service in every area by March 2006, in the three years to March 2006 we shall be investing an additional £300 million in CAMHS provided by the national health service and local authorities. Decisions on the recruitment, retention and deployment of educational psychologists (EPs) are matters for local authorities as employers to determine in light of local circumstances and available resources. The Department for Education and Skills, which has the lead Government responsibility, is aware there are shortages of EPs in some areas. It has facilitated discussions involving a range of partners, including representatives of the Local Government Association, on developing a new shorter entry training route for EPs.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

177517; 422 c363-4W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Children Staff Mental health services Waiting lists Schools Special educational needs Young people Vacancies Psychology Educational psychology

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk