Commenting as NFER publish their study reviewing evidence on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children’s mental health and wellbeing, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“As this study shows, the impact of the pandemic has clearly been felt by pupils, with some students experiencing more disruption than others.

“Our members consistently raise pupil mental health and wellbeing as one of their top priorities. They are on the front line when it comes to identifying and supporting children and young people’s mental health needs, but the funding for accessible and timely professional support has been stripped away by lack of investment into education and health over the last decade. Teachers are not mental health specialists and cannot be expected to provide the specialist support that children and young people need.

“It’s crucial that when school staff identify a mental health need with a pupil they are able to get the specialist help that is required. There is a real urgency to the call for additional resources to support the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and this includes vital early help and support as well as more specialist services. The government must ensure that every school has fully funded mental health support available for their pupils and it is essential that they increase the capacity of social care, health and other services to meet the growing demand and to reduce waiting times.”