Increased take-up of senior mental health training grants

According to data from the Department for Education, the take up of senior mental health lead training grants has increased to 70% (16,700) of eligible schools and colleges as of March 2024, up from 58% (13,800) last year.

This includes over 80% of secondary schools.

Forty-four per cent of pupils in schools and learners were covered by mental health support teams, up from 35% last year.

Schools and colleges are offered a £1,200 grant for a senior member of education staff to access DfE quality assured training to implement an effective whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing in their setting. The grant is intended to cover (or contribute to) the cost of attending training and may also be used to hire supply staff to provide cover whilst leads are engaged in learning.
 
The Government is aiming to offer senior mental health lead training grants to all schools and colleges by 2025 and to extend coverage of mental health support teams to at least 50% of pupils and learners in England by the end of March 2025.
 
Children’s Minister David Johnston said: “Having the right support at the right time is critical to prevent mental health concerns from escalating.
 
“During this Mental Health Awareness week, I am pleased to announce 70% of schools and colleges have taken up our senior mental health training grants and we are on track to meet our aim to provide this grant to all schools by 2025.”
 
Minister for Health Maria Caulfield said: “Good mental health is vital for children and young people to be able to learn, make friends and build confidence. That’s why we have committed to introducing mental health support teams in schools and colleges across the country.
 
“These services provide crucial support ensuring students with emerging mental health difficulties have access to the help they need. It’s fantastic to see so many schools and colleges are receiving this support – through both mental health training and support teams – and I encourage every student who needs help to make use of the services.”
 
Claire Murdoch, NHS National Mental Health Director, said: “NHS mental health teams are currently in contact with record numbers of children and young people, and since fast-tracking the introduction of these mental health support teams, it’s brilliant that we can confirm that well over two fifths of pupils in schools and in further education are now covered by expert support.
 
“This achievement shows the joint commitment to mental health and wellbeing across the NHS and education is crucial, and we know that these world leading services are helping children and young people with many anxieties or issues they may have.
 
“NHS staff and our partners in education continue to push implementation, and we are on course to reach more than 50% this time next year, so I would urge everyone, whether you’re a teacher, parent or child, to access this early support.”