Paul Whiteman, general secretary of NAHT, which represents leaders in the majority of schools, said:  “Even with the proposed increase in spending between now and 2022/23, schools are still looking at a 13 year freeze in funding in real-terms.

“During this period, demands on schools have continued to increase. For example, school leaders have reported a growing demand for in-school pastoral and mental health services. But schools have found it harder to access key support services including CAMHs, educational psychologists and other professionals meaning that they are increasingly having to fund this vital support from their own diminishing budgets.

“Government has recognised the need for increased access to social care and mental health services for children and young people. The trial of social workers in schools is being expanded, but this will impact on only around 150 schools. Mental Health Support Teams are a vital aspect of improving access to mental health support, but progress to develop these has slowed.

“It has never been more important for young people to get the support they need, but it still appears that it is lottery. The government urgently needs to step in to correct this.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk