The Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses has already voiced its concern regarding the reduction in the quality of psychology services provided in schools, due to the late placement of psychologists. This delay greatly hinders the work planned for the beginning of the academic year, which in turn leads to less efficiency, which may affect academic performance and students' wellbeing, as well as jeopardising the application of a set of essential programmes and skills to the proper operation of the school network.

The OPP underlines that actions by Psychologists must not be seen as merely remedial or in the event of a crisis, in that from an academic, emotional and even economic point of view, preventive intervention is essential. Therefore, the increase in psychology services available in schools cannot be disassociated from the reduction in academic failure and school dropout rates. The recent goals set by the Minister of Education for reducing dropout rates and academic failure, as well as the early identification of competence profiles and strengthening the professional education offered in Secondary schools, fully fit into the framework of action which psychology services in schools have provided.

The Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses further alerts that the long-term paralysis of Psychology Services jeopardises the smooth running of schools, given that the administrative and legal framework of schools requires the services provided by the Psychologist for the following actions: to issue opinions on Special Educational Needs, to prepare recovery plans, to provide school and professional guidance, among many other means of intervention.