We are pleased to note the recognition that schools and colleges are already doing a great deal to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. This support has been achieved despite severe funding pressures on school and college resources. In addition, underfunding and a shortage of specialist staff have led to significant difficulties in accessing specialist mental health services.

The context of real terms cuts to school and college funding is central to how well schools and colleges can support the mental health and wellbeing of students. Our survey of school leaders in January 2016  found then that half of respondents had been forced to cut back on mental health support services, such as counselling and educational psychologists, as a result of real term cuts to their budgets. The continued failure to raise school budgets to meet increased cost pressures mean that the situation has become considerably worse since that survey was completed.

Read the full response here.