Dear Editor
Children’s mental health has never been so high profile and rightly so. At school leaders’ union NAHT we’ve long been aware that schools are on the front line with children’s mental health because school is often where issues first become apparent.
That’s why we were delighted to support Children’s Mental Health Week, which took place from 5-11 February. And we want to say thank you to everyone who took part.
But there is still so much more to do. The Government’s recently published green paper on children’s mental health recognised the “vital role” that schools can play in identifying and supporting young people experiencing problems.
However, school leaders are not experts in diagnosing and treating mental health issues so it can be difficult to know what kind of support is needed. And the green paper did not include any additional funding for the majority of schools.
More specialist services are vital, as is more training for teachers and support staff. One more change would make a world of difference. PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) should be taught in regular time-tabled lessons in school to enable all children to learn about mental health. Now that would be life-changing.
Paul Whiteman,
General Secretary of school leaders’ union,
NAHT
