Mental health expert in Suffolk welcomes school support expansion but warns young people still fall through the cracks
The Government says almost six million young people can now access mental health support through their school or college.
A mental health professional has welcomed Government efforts to expand support in schools but warned too many young people are still struggling to access help when they need it.**
New support for school pupils
The Government says almost six million children and young people across England can now access mental health support through their school or college, with nearly 800,000 more pupils covered than a year ago.
Ministers say mental health support teams are now working in almost 11,800 schools and colleges, with nearly 80 per cent of secondary schools covered.
The announcement forms part of the Government's ambition to provide mental health support in every school and college in England by the end of 2029.
But Dylan Pomietlo, founder of Teenage Mental Health, said the headline figures do not always reflect the experiences of children and families trying to access support.
"The reality is they may have access, but that's more of an opportunity for access," he said.
"It doesn't take into account the delays or the waiting times."
While welcoming the expansion of school-based support, Mr Pomietlo said many children still face barriers when they need more specialist intervention.
"We can make these numbers sound really great and positive, and they are, but they're not – it's the tip of the iceberg," he said.
"If we look at the waiting times for services outside of schools, they've still got waiting lists."
The Government says the programme is helping tackle issues before they escalate into crises, with schools reporting improvements in pupil wellbeing and attendance.
According to ministers, nine in ten schools and colleges with access to mental health support teams say they have seen improvements in children's wellbeing, while seven in ten report better attendance.
Addressing the wider issues
Mr Pomietlo agreed that early intervention can be valuable but questioned whether sufficient support exists once more complex needs are identified.
"It's great to have these early preventions, but actually where else are they?" he said.
"Where do they then go if there are further concerns?"
He said demand for mental health services among young people remains significant, with schools increasingly being asked to fill gaps elsewhere in the system.
The Government's announcement follows the recruitment of an additional 8,500 mental health workers across children's and adult services and forms part of wider plans to shift more mental health support into community settings.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said access to mental health support in schools was helping young people manage life's challenges and remain engaged in education.
"As young people navigate the pressures of school and growing up, having the right support around them is crucial," she said.
Mr Pomietlo said the increased availability of support in schools should be viewed as a positive step, but argued it should not distract from ongoing pressures elsewhere in the mental health system.
"The support in schools is important," he said.
"But we need to make sure there is somewhere for young people to go when they need more help."