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Politicians in charge of scrutinising the running of the island's education system say they are "very concerned" about instability within the educational psychology service after a union said Jersey was not a "safe place" to work.
The Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) made a public declaration that they were "in dispute" with Jersey's Government last week, following what it described as a "failure" to "deal appropriately" with concerns raised by educational psychologists working in Jersey.
As a result, the AEP said it would no longer recommend Jersey as a place to work to its members and would not carry any adverts for positions.
Deputy Catherine Curtis, who heads up the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel, said that the panel "cannot be involved in individual grievances".
However, she added that her panel was "very concerned about any instability of the educational psychology service".
Pictured: The AEP's statement, which was shared on its website.
The Deputy revealed that the panel had already met with representatives from the Association of Educational Psychologists on 2 October to discuss "concerns regarding the service in schools".
She said that the panel is now due to receive a briefing from the Minister in charge, Deputy Rob Ward, this afternoon. Briefings are not public hearings involving a live recording – they are a less formal forum in which Ministers and Scrutineers are able to exchange information in confidence.
"Educational psychologists have a duty to highlight any necessary changes to improve processes in schools. Best practice would be for them to be supported in raising concerns. Jersey needs to treat its professional staff well," Deputy Curtis added.
Contacted for further comment by Express, AEP President David Collingwood today commented: “It is unfortunate that this dispute has arisen but as the trade union representing educational psychologists, our role is to safeguard the interests of our members.
"We continue to work with senior officers in the States of Jersey and remain hopeful of a successful resolution.”
It comes at a time of significant turbulence within the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department.
CYPES is currently undergoing restructuring once again, with the departure of several senior staff.
The most recent high profile departure to be announced was that of Chief Officer Rob Sainsbury, who took charge of CYPES in October 2021 in an interim capacity after working in the hospital, and was appointed to the role permanently in December 2022. He will be leaving his role at the end of this month, which the Government says will make a saving of £160,000.
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Educational psychologists union brands Jersey not a "safe place" to work
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