Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru | National Assembly for Wales

Y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg | Children, Young People and Education Committee

Blaenoriaethau ar gyfer y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg | Priorities for the Children, Young People and Education Committee

CYPE 14

Ymateb gan : Cymdeithas y Seicolegwyr Addysg

Response from : The Association of Educational Psychologists

Question 1 – Within the remit set out above: what do you consider to be the priorities or issues that the Children, Young People and Education Committee should consider during the Fifth Assembly?

· The Additional Learning Needs Bill warrants further scrutiny especially the next iteration of the draft ALN Code and the ALN Transformation Programme

· The Committee may wish to examine the wider mental health in schools agenda and how education and health capacity might be better joined up to address the issues raised.  Please note this could be a joint inquiry with the Health and Social Care Committee

Question 2 – From the list of priorities or issues you have identified, what do you consider to be the key areas that should be considered during the next 12 months (please identify up to three areas or issues)?  Please outline why these should be considered as key priorities.

· The ALN Bill and the ALN Code of Practice – because it is current and it is vital that the legislation is right and its implementation is done as well as possible.

In particular there is need to consider the importance of the role of Educational Psychologists and ensure that there is a statutory role in the process in order to safeguard the interests of children and young people in Wales.  Without a statutory role for EPs there is no entitlement for CYP in Wales to receive psychological assessment and support.