Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Steve McCabe Excerpts
Monday 26th October 2015

(9 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Sam Gyimah Portrait Mr Gyimah
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I am glad my hon. Friend has asked that question. We have been working with the PSHE Association to develop age-appropriate lesson plans, as well as improving counselling and guidance, so that teachers know how to teach about mental health and deal with the range of issues they come across in young people.

Steve McCabe Portrait Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab)
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As well as offering welcome advice and support to schools, will the Government consider introducing a compulsory psychological assessment for all children entering care to complement the physical assessment already required?

Sam Gyimah Portrait Mr Gyimah
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That is a very good suggestion. I understand from my hon. Friend the Minister for Children and Families that we already have a health assessment, but we are open-minded on all ideas about how to tackle the problem. I will happily meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss his suggestion.