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On Wednesday, Tes ran a feature exploring the role of EPs in schools and the wide range of support they provide to children, families and communities. Drawing on interviews with members from Wandsworth EP service, including AEP London representative, Simon Ungar, the article showcases work of EPs in addition to roles in individual assessment or statutory processes.

Following the close of nominations on 19 December, we were pleased to announce the election of Rachel Jones as representative for Region 9 (Cymru/Wales). We received two nominations for each of the following vacancies: National Member and Trainee Member. In line with the AEP constitution, a ballot of eligible members will now be conducted to elect each position. A ballot of members, administered by Civica, an independent scrutineer was conducted to elect each position. Following the close of voting on 20 January, we are pleased to announce the election of David Webster as National Member and Django Wiley as Trainee Member. We look forward to welcoming them to the committee.

The AEP, alongside fellow education unions, are urgently calling for our voice and expertise as educators and specialists to be at the centre of shaping AI adoption in education settings across the UK.

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a really busy and positive start to my role as General Secretary. I’m almost at the end of my first term, and I’m already looking forward to building on this momentum in 2026.

The Department for Education has announced that Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould is hosting a series of events, run in partnership with the Council for Disabled Children, covering the department’s five principles of reform. This will provide an opportunity for parents, families and those working in the sector to share their views and ideas.

As shared in the Honorary Treasurer’s Annual report, the NEC agreed to increase membership fees by 3.5 percent in 2026 to support an increase in expenditure. Fees have remained at the same level for several years, at a time of significant inflation and reduced income and this small increase is necessary to sustain the association's finances.

We want to highlight - and celebrate - best practice from our members, demonstrating the wide contribution of EP work across education, health, and community settings. This includes innovative approaches, preventative work, and projects that promote wellbeing, inclusion, and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Following the pay claim sent to the Soulbury Employers' Side on 25 June the Employers’ Side undertook a consultation of councils in England and Wales and have sent a formal response to the claim, dated 7 October 2025.

The Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) welcomes the House of Commons Education Select Committee’s Solving the SEND Crisis report. Highlighting an acute shortfall of EPs and specialist staff, the report urged the Government to act now to address the SEND system’s shortcomings.

The new British Educational Research Association has shared a new Blog post: SEND and EHCPs in England: In the fast lane to overtake 10 per cent.

As educational psychologists (EPs), we are often called upon to support children and families experiencing high levels of conflict, control, or withdrawal. In such cases, traditional behavioural strategies may fall short. The Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) parenting approach offers a trauma-informed, relational alternative that prioritises adult presence, emotional regulation, and systemic support. It provides EPs with a thoughtful and ethically grounded framework for supporting families experiencing entrenched difficulties.