Schools lack resources to support children with mental health problems, NAHT warns

Schools lack the resources to provide adequate support to students suffering from mental issues, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has warned.

According to the NAHT, a fifth of children are developing mental health problems before age 11 and untreated issues could spiral into psychiatric problems later in life unless more is done in schools.

Russell Hobby, general secretary of the NAHT, claims that three quarters of school leaders report that they do not have the resources needed to provide suitable care for pupils. A survey conducted by the union found that 64 per cent of schools do not have access to an on site councillor, with three quarters saying that a lack of funding was a key barrier.

Hobby said: "We know the government is determined to improve children's mental health but there's still a danger that some children will take untreated mental problems into adulthood.

"Although increasingly common inside secondary schools, almost two-thirds of primary school leaders say that it is difficult to access local mental health professionals.

"Schools play a vital role in supporting children's mental health and building their resilience - but rising demand, growing complexity and tight budgets can get in the way of helping the children who need it most."

In response to the warnings from the NAHT, the Department for Education said: "We're at a turning point in how we tackle children's mental health issues and are determined to get it right. That's why we're investing £1.4bn over this Parliament to transform mental health support for children and young people."