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A 'dual key' with schools at its heart

26/10/2007

The announcement by Ed Balls, the first secretary of state for children, schools and families, that mental health in schools will be a priority in his new role is good news. Every Child Matters cannot work if some parts of children’s services operate on principles of early prevention while others are in crisis management.

We welcome the decision to make child health a ‘dual key’ between the Department of Health and the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF). Time and time again, YoungMinds has been alerted by our members to instances in which pupils are deeply distressed and exhibiting severe emotional trauma – only for school staff to be told that the local CAMHS service has a nine-month waiting list.

YoungMinds calls on the government to re-visit some of the important learning which has come out of the behavioural, emotional and support teams (BEST) pilots. These demonstrated that multi-agency teams working alongside teaching staff, parents and families can have a real impact in getting problems resolved quickly.

One of the main lessons from the pilots was that BEST work with teaching staff paid dividends and ensured that those pupils who needed a fast referral to either therapy, counselling or psychiatry received one. Getting mental health experts working with school staff on the school site is essential, but confidentiality will be crucial both inside and outside school walls.

We also need to think about different approaches that will work in primary, secondary and extended schools. Involvement of parents, families and relatives is also crucial, and again we have seen very effective models around the country where training and support had been provided by multi-agency teams.

The DCSF schools initiative brings with it £60m of new money – and a real opportunity for those of us who work in this sector. At YoungMinds, we look forward to working across government and with all our partners to bring our ambitions to fruition.

Read more about 'dual key' children's mental health services.

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