AQW 32471/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 01/10/2025
Answered On Date: 16/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to outline the rationale for moving to an educational psychology consultative support model.

Answer:

The Education Authority has advised through adopting a consultation-based approach, the Educational Psychology Service (EPS) can support more schools proactively, reducing unnecessary statutory assessments while empowering school staff to implement psychological interventions earlier and more effectively.

Extending the consultation function of the EPS aligns with the new draft Special Education Needs Framework and the strategic goals of the Education Authority and Department of Education, including promoting early intervention, capacity building, and sustainable service delivery.