But like many other schools, it is increasingly being called on to support children with mental health issues. “These are the kind of roles that will be under threat if funding cuts continue.”The government has stated that mental health is a key priority and says it has invested £1.4bn in children’s mental health services, with strengthened links between mental health staff and schools. It is offering mental health first aid training to every secondary school, but the head says it is simply not enough. Tom Madders, campaigns director at the mental health charity YoungMinds, says many teachers are reporting a rise in rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm among their students. “While schools shouldn’t be expected to replace specialist mental health services, they can play a crucial role in promoting good mental health and in intervening early when there are problems.

Source: The Guardian September 23, 2017 09:00 UTC