Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to improve the wellbeing of children in school.

The department is committed to ensuring all schools are calm, safe and supportive learning environments that promote and support wellbeing.

To support this, the department is offering all schools and colleges funding to train a senior mental health lead who can put in place an effective whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing. Over 13,800 schools and colleges have now received a training grant, including more than 7 in 10 state-funded secondary schools.

To help children understand and look after their own wellbeing, as at September 2020, the department’s Health Education curriculum has a strong focus on mental wellbeing. Pupils are taught about the link between physical and mental health, how to recognise and talk about their emotions, and how and where to seek support if they are concerned about their own or someone else’s mental wellbeing.

When a child or young person is struggling with their mental health, it is vital to intervene early. That is why the department is working with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to continue the rollout of Mental Health Support Teams across schools and colleges. These teams currently cover 35% of pupils in schools and learners in further education and we estimate this will increase to around 44% by April 2024.

The Department publishes annual State of the Nation reports on children and young people’s wellbeing. These reports draw together the best available evidence and inform work across government to support young people's wellbeing. The latest report, published February 2023, can be accessed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1134596/State_of_the_nation_2022_-_children_and_young_people_s_wellbeing.pdf.