A long-running dispute between the government and an educational psychologists union has been resolved over a year after the island was branded an “unsafe” place to work.
The Association of Educational Psychologists, which represents the profession, last year said it was no longer recommending Jersey as an “appropriate or safe place” to its members and refused to carry adverts for island positions while “in dispute” with the government.
The association described a “failure” to “deal appropriately” with concerns raised by educational psychologists, who are employed to support children with special educational needs, as a reason behind its decision.
In a joint statement published today, the union and the government confirmed that the dispute had been resolved.
Education Minister Rob Ward said: “We appreciate the commitment and collaboration shown by all parties throughout this process and look forward to continuing our shared focus on delivering positive outcomes for children and young people using our services.”
Association of Educational Psychologists general secretary Donna Wiggett added: “We welcome the resolution of this dispute and are pleased that, through open and constructive discussions, we’ve reached a positive outcome.
“This agreement represents an important step forward in rebuilding a strong working relationship, ensuring the best for Association of Educational Psychologists members and the children and young people they support.”
The resolution follows the appointment of a transformation lead within Jersey’s educational psychology service.
Recruitment is also under way for a new principal educational psychologist – advertised with a salary of between £96,000 and £108,500 – with the support of the Association of Educational Psychologists and the National Association of Principal Education Psychologists.
The job description states: “To lead, manage and develop the Jersey Educational Psychology and Wellbeing Service to ensure delivery of a quality, cost-effective service which meets statutory requirements and is focused on key priorities, including early intervention and inclusion, parental confidence and improved outcomes for all children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities.”
The resolution comes less than a month after a damning independent review into the provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Jersey concluded that “too few disadvantaged or vulnerable” pupils are having their “full range of needs met”, and that “current leadership, organisation, systems, strategies, oversight and accountability arrangements in relation to inclusive education in Jersey are not sufficiently effective”.