Commenting on Non-Specialist Mental Health Support for Young People in England, a report commissioned by the EPI, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“This postcode lottery for mental health provision for young people is worrying. We know that across the board CAMHS are struggling with the increase in demand and unable to meet need, leaving too many in crisis.
“The lack of early, or in many cases any, support has an impact on all aspects of a young person's life. NEU members in schools tell us that levels of anxiety and eating disorders are on the rise. This leads to students struggling in school and developing difficulties with attendance. Schools do not have the resources or staff to continue carrying the weight of a broken system. They should not be expected to pick up the pieces of a breakdown in mental health support any longer.
“Government has the opportunity to ensure that the curriculum and assessment review, Ofsted reforms and future SEND provision create an education system which prioritises student well-being and mental health, so that they are in a fit state to learn and does not cause it to further deteriorate.”