Commenting on today’s statement from the Prime Minister on
improving mental health support for children and young people in
schools, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the
NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK, said:
“The NASUWT welcomes the Prime Minister’s recognition that much
more needs to be done to support children and young people’s
mental health.
“Action to help prevent children and young people from developing
mental health problems and effective, timely care for those
already experiencing these problems is vital.
“Often teachers can be the first to spot signs of mental distress
among their pupils and schools do have an important role to play
in improving provision and support for children and young people.
“However, schools cannot address this issue alone and cuts to
budgets and services in local authorities, health and education
have all taken a heavy toll on the support available to children
suffering mental health issues.
“Collaboration between schools and opportunities to develop
effective joint working between schools and other agencies needs
to be recognised by the Government as a key priority in meeting
the mental health needs of all children and young people.
“The Prime Minister must also take urgent steps to tackle the
excessive workload demands already placed on teachers, including
as a result of job cuts, in order that schools have the capacity
to meet pupils’ mental health needs.
“The step-change that is needed in relation to children’s mental
health will not be possible without recognition from Government
that schools and other services need the time, resources and
funding which ensure that no child has their life blighted by
mental ill health.”
