Schools and colleges struggle to provide adequate time and
resource for pupils’ well-being, according to the Health and
Education Committees in a joint report published today.
As part of a joint inquiry into children and young people’s
mental health, the Committees found that financial pressures are
restricting the provision of mental health services in schools
and colleges. The next Government must review the effect of the
budget reductions in the education sector, the report adds.
The Committees say an increasing number of education providers
are having to cut back on mental health services, such as
in-school counsellors, despite a growing prevalence of mental ill
health among children and young people. The report notes that
half of all cases of mental illness in adult life start before
the age of 15 and that one in 10 children aged between 5-16 have
had a diagnosed mental disorder.
Schools and colleges have a front line role in promoting and
protecting children and young people’s mental health and
well-being but, the Government also has a significant part to
play. Both Committees welcome the Government’s commitment to make
personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) mandatory
in schools and colleges but, the promotion of well-being cannot
be confined to PSHE lessons.
The Committees support the need for a whole school approach that
embeds the promotion of well-being throughout school and college
culture, including changes within the curriculum and the training
and continuing professional development of teachers and support
staff. The Committees recommend that this approach to mental
health and well-being should be properly taken into account and
reflected in Ofsted’s inspection regime and reporting.
Strong partnerships between the education sector and mental
health services improve the provision of care for children’s
mental health and well-being. However, during their inquiry, the
Committees saw evidence of significant variation in how well
schools, colleges and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
(CAMHS) work together and that such partnerships simply do not
exist in many local areas. The Committees call on the Government
to commit sufficient resource to ensure effective services are
established in all parts of the country.
Whilst there are benefits of social media, excessive social media
use is also associated with sleep deprivation and depression in
children and young people. Social media providers must not be
allowed to duck their responsibilities for harmful content, which
affects children and young people’s online safety and
well-being.
Chair of the House of Commons Health Committee, MP,
said: “With half of all mental illness starting
before the age of 15, and three quarters by aged 18, the
Government and educators must ensure sufficient time is allowed
for activities in schools and colleges that develop the life-long
skills children and young people need to support their
wellbeing.”
MP, Chair of the House of
Commons Education Committee, said: “Schools and
colleges have a front line role in tackling mental ill health and
promoting well-being among children and young people. We have
heard, however, that financial pressures are restricting their
ability to run services. Schools and colleges must be well
resourced to provide on-site support and make referrals where
necessary.
