Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her policy is on providing psychiatric support for pupils aged between four and 11.

Teachers see their pupils on a daily basis and are often the first to notice changes in behaviour that may indicate a problem. The new 0-25 Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice, due to be implemented from September, makes it clear that schools should seek to identify underlying mental health conditions that their pupils have.

In June 2014 the Department for Education published advice on behaviour and mental health in schools, which is available online[1]. This guidance is intended to help schools support all pupils’ mental health and wellbeing so that they can succeed in school. It provides case studies, information and links to organisations that can be approached for advice. The guidance also includes the new Mind Ed e-portal which was launched earlier this year and is funded by the Department of Health.

The behaviour and mental health in schools advice will help schools identify pupils whose behaviour suggests they may have an unmet mental health need and provide the support they need. The advice makes clear that teachers are not expected to be experts in mental health. Any support or intervention should be provided by staff with sufficient skills and knowledge, supported by the SEN Co-ordinator as necessary. Schools may also choose to involve external specialists at any point to advise them on identification of needs and the provision of effective support and interventions. For more severe problems, schools might need to refer pupils to medical professionals working in specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, voluntary organisations and local GPs.

[1] www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-behaviour-in-schools--2