OELMEK and the Pancyprian Confederation of Parents of Secondary Education have expressed strong concern over the Ministry of Finance’s reported refusal to include 60 additional educational psychologist posts in the 2027 state budget.
In a joint statement, the two organisations called on the government to reconsider the decision and approve the posts proposed by the Ministry of Education.
Growing pressure on schools
The organisations described the decision as “unacceptable”, arguing that it comes at a time when schools are dealing with increasing incidents of violence and delinquency, as well as mental health, emotional and other complex difficulties affecting pupils’ wellbeing and everyday school life.
They stressed that the Educational Psychology Service is not a secondary or supplementary service. It supports pupils displaying behavioural problems, serious emotional difficulties, learning challenges and other needs.
The service also assists teachers who must manage violence, crises and difficult situations in classrooms, while helping schools strengthen prevention, early intervention and child protection.
Delays in providing support
According to the joint statement, the service’s existing staffing levels are insufficient to meet the actual needs of schools.
This has resulted in delays in providing necessary support to pupils, parents and teachers, affecting both the effectiveness of interventions and the smooth operation of schools.
The organisations said Cyprus currently has one educational psychologist for every 1,859 pupils. They noted that this falls well below international standards and practices in other countries, where the ratio is approximately one psychologist for every 500 pupils or lower.
Call for government review
OELMEK and the parents’ confederation said children’s mental health should not be treated as an expense that can be postponed or reduced.
Strengthening the Educational Psychology Service is not a luxury, but a necessary investment, they said, with direct benefits for society, education and the functioning of schools.
They called on the Ministry of Finance and the government to reverse the decision and approve the additional posts needed to reinforce the service.
