Majority of teachers come into contact with pupils experiencing mental health issues

A new survey conducted by NASUWT has found that out of 1,359 teachers, 96 per cent believe they come into contact with pupils who are experiencing mental health issues.

Of which 92 per cent say pupils are exhibiting anxiety or panic attacks, 80 per cent depression and 67 per cent self-harm.

The research also found that nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) say they are not confident that they or their school would be able to get timely support from expert services such as CAMHS for pupils experiencing mental health problems.

Over half (51 per cent) say staff numbers at their school have decreased in the last two years, with nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) saying they are not able to give pupils as much individual attention in lessons due to the loss of support staff and a similar number (64 per cent) saying pupils are not always taught by a teacher trained for the subject or age range due to the loss of teaching staff.

The survey also found concerns from some teachers about the way in which pupil exclusions and managed moves are being conducted.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “Teachers have never before had to deal with such a complex range of pupil welfare issues as they do today.

“The pressure on teachers and headteachers is enormous and is putting at risk their own mental and physical health and wellbeing.

“These challenges are compounded by cuts to school staffing and to external specialist support.

“The government must bear responsibility for the position in which schools find themselves. It is a betrayal of staff and pupils to continue to expect schools alone to deal with all of these issues.”