An investigation by the House of Common’s Health and Education Select Committees has warned that increasing numbers of schools are cutting back on key services such as in-school counsellors, despite growing prevalence of mental health problems among young people.
It also highlights huge variation in how well schools and colleges work together with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – with partnerships non-existent in some areas.
The committees’ report, published on Tuesday (May 2), calls on the government to review the impact of the budget reductions in the education sector and asks for a clearer role for Ofsted in reporting on whole-school mental health and wellbeing provision.
MPs praise the results of the £3 million CAMHS Link Pilot, which provided joint training to schools and CAMHS staff and introduced single points of contact to improve referral services.
An evaluation of the pilot published in February found improved knowledge and awareness of mental health issues and better understanding of referral routes.
The report states: “Strong partnerships between the education sector and mental health services improve the provision for children’s mental health and wellbeing. There is significant variation in the quality of the links between schools and colleges and CAMHS and in the level of financial support. The government should commit sufficient resource and build on the CAMHS link pilot to ensure that effective services can be established in all parts of the country.
“We heard evidence of the adverse impact of funding pressures on mental health provision in schools and colleges, including the ability to bring in external support. With half of all mental illness starting before the age of 15, it is a false economy to cut services for children and young people that could help to improve wellbeing, build resilience and provide early intervention.”
The MPs say their evidence shows the positive impact that a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing can have. While welcoming the recent commitment to make PSHE statutory, the report warns that “the promotion of wellbeing cannot be confined to PSHE lessons”.
The report also calls for changes to the curriculum to allow more time “to focus on wellbeing and building resilience”. It also wants changes to the training and CPD of teaching and support staff, the latter to help staff better spot the early signs of mental health problems and be confident in signposting appropriate support.
Chair of the Health Select Committee, Dr Sarah Wollaston 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.”
Neil Carmichael MP, chair of the Education Select Committee, added: “Schools and colleges have a frontline role in tackling mental ill health and promoting wellbeing 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.”
- The report, entitled Children and Young People’s Mental Health: The role of education, is available at www.parliament.uk/education-committee