Think-tank urges fast-track graduate scheme for school mental health specialists
Joe Lepper
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
A major programme to recruit high-performing graduates to work in schools as mental health specialists should be introduced as part of efforts to tackle wellbeing among pupils, a think-tank has urged.
As part of a range of measures to address concerns about mental health problems among pupils, the education think-tank LKMco is calling for a new school-based mental health development programme to be set up to create a new group of pre-clinical, mental health specialists.
This would be set up along similar lines of existing graduate programmes such as Teach First, Think Ahead, Unlocked Grads and Frontline.
Teach First is a fast-track teacher training programme for graduates with a good degree, while Frontline has been dubbed the "Teach First" for social work.
The report, which has also been compiled by school mental health organisation Minds Ahead, says this new specialist role is needed to build professional links between schools and the NHS, as well as help schools tackle issues such as bullying and exam stress.
"A new role is needed to reshape specialist support in schools," states the report.
"The school mental health specialist would be an expert in the problems that children face at school such as bullying, exam stress and low moods. They would be trained and supported to help the whole school community so that everyone benefits.
"They would employ evidence-based actions that can be taken within school to strengthen mental health for all pupils as well as focused support for those in greater need. They would build professional links with local NHS and other mental health providers, ensuring effective pathways where specialist care is required."
"This new school-based role should build on the successes of the ‘Teach First' model so that it attracts high-calibre candidates to this challenging new role whilst working in close partnership with schools and local mental health services."
The report's recommendation comes amid growing concern about the mental wellbeing of pupils and poor access to specialist support.
A Prince's Trust survey in January found that young people's happiness and confidence levels are at a record low.
NHS data obtained last month by the NSPCC found that just under a third of children referred to a specialist mental health services are being denied treatment as they do not meet the threshold for help.
The government published a green paper last December on young people's mental health, which pledged £300m to provide support in schools.
This outlined plans to incentivise schools and colleges in England to appoint a designated senior lead for mental health to co-ordinate support and help children access specialist therapy and other NHS treatment.
LKMco's report also calls for careers programmes in schools to encourage more young people to consider careers in youth mental health.
It also urges the government to halt a real-terms cut in funding for schools, to ensure they can cope with increasing costs and provide support such as counselling.
In addition, Ofsted should carry out an audit of how inspectors rate schools' ability to support their pupils' mental health needs. The results of this should be used to help improve inspectors' guidance and training on the issue of mental health.
Commenting on the report, the Local Government Association (LGA) said improved funding for schools is vital to ensuring pupils can access support.
"If we are to tackle the crisis in children's mental health, we need a root-and-branch overhaul of existing services. We need to develop a system that says yes, rather than no, to children when they ask for help," said Roy Perry, vice chairman of the LGA's children and young people board.
"This report echoes our call for councils and schools to be given the funding to offer independent mental health counselling, as part of a school's overall focus on children's wellbeing, so pupils have access to support as and when they need it.
"Providing just a small proportion of the funding the government is spending on mental health support nationally on school counselling is one way the government can ensure every child and young person enjoys the bright future they deserve."
A Department for Education spokesman said: "We want to improve mental health support for every young person, which is why our Green Paper plans include a new workforce for schools and colleges to provide timely and effective support for children - backed by £300m to fund training for all schools.
"This builds on the good work schools and teachers are already doing to support their pupils' wellbeing - especially during exam season. The NHS is also working to promote, protect and improve mental health services for children and young people, supported by the investment of an additional £1.4bn."
There are places remaining at CYP Now's Mental Health in Schools conference, taking place on 29 June. See who's speaking here.
