Responding to a new report from the Children's Commissioner which found that over a quarter of a million children referred to mental health services in 2022/23 are still waiting for support, James Bowen, assistant general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Schools are seeing increasing numbers of pupils struggling with their mental health and wellbeing, affecting everything from their learning to their attendance and behaviour.

“These shocking figures lay bare the government’s failure to ensure children get timely support in the community, and while school staff work tirelessly to support their pupils, they do not have the expertise or resources to provide all the help young people need.

“The government must invest far more in children’s mental health services and social care, which have suffered from chronic under-funding over the last decade, as well as providing more funding for vital early support before problems escalate.

“This should include speeding up the roll-out of mental health support teams in schools, ensuring fully-funded counselling or other creative therapies are available in all schools and colleges, and investing in early help hubs in local communities.”