Hon Donna Faragher's question seeks data on school psychologist-to-student ratios and the distribution of school psychologists within the Department of Education. The answer avoids providing a ratio and offers FTE figures, including those in specialised services.

AnsweredQoN 2020Legislative Council
Asked
18 April 2024
Portfolio
Education

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Department of Education's School Psychology Service, and I ask: (a) what is the current ratio of appointed school psychologists to students in both primary and secondary government schools; and (b) will the Minister provide a breakdown, by service, of the number of psychologists employed by the Department in other service areas outside of support provided directly in schools?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
28 May 2024
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Education
Response time
10 days
a)      A ratio does not provide a valid representation of the support available to students by school psychologists as the school psychology service is flexible and responsive, and support to particular schools changes over time.
b)      For the pay period ending 11 April 2024, the school psychologist FTE employed by the Department of Education was 475.7 FTE. Just over 5% (23.9 FTE) are currently employed in teams at Statewide Services that provide specialised services and support to schools. Please refer to tabled paper XXX for a breakdown of the scope of practice and key functions.

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