Educational psychologists warn of growing pressure on children's services

August 6, 2026 - 19:58

Educational psychologists are raising concerns that growing backlogs in Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments, or EHCNAs, are forcing them to abandon early intervention work. The mounting paperwork and statutory duties are leaving little room for the proactive support that can prevent small issues from becoming crises.

The warning comes as local authorities across the country report significant delays in completing these legally required assessments. Many families are waiting months longer than the statutory 20-week limit, and the pressure is falling squarely on the shoulders of a limited pool of qualified psychologists. With their time consumed by administrative tasks and formal reports, they have fewer opportunities to work directly with schools, teachers, and families on early-stage problems like mild anxiety, behavioral difficulties, or learning gaps.

This shift has practical consequences. When psychologists cannot step in early, problems tend to escalate. A child who might have needed a few weeks of targeted support can end up requiring a full statutory plan, which is more costly and more stressful for everyone involved. The irony is that the system designed to help the most vulnerable children is now so overloaded that it cannot deliver the preventive care that would reduce demand in the long run.

Experts argue that the solution is not simply hiring more psychologists, though that would help. They point to the need for a broader review of how the assessment process works, including better use of technology, clearer guidance on what constitutes a statutory need, and more investment in school-based mental health teams. Without such changes, they warn, the backlog will only grow, and the children who need help the most will continue to fall through the cracks.