Source – careplus-schools.org
Teachers Filling Gaps in Mental Health Support
A recent survey conducted by the charity YoungMinds highlights the growing role teachers play in addressing the mental health needs of students. With NHS services falling short, many teachers find themselves stepping in to support children in distress. The survey revealed that three in four teachers in the UK put their students’ psychological needs ahead of classroom instruction at least once a week. One in five teachers reported providing such support daily.
Teachers described breaking away from lessons to assist students, often making in-class adjustments to accommodate their needs. The study also found that almost one in four students (24%) require some form of mental health support. The lack of adequate mental health services has placed significant pressure on teachers to fill this gap, as echoed by James Bowen of the National Association of Head Teachers. He stated, “Schools are increasingly having to step in and fill the gap left by underfunded mental health services.”
Impact of Mental Health Crisis on Education
The mental health crisis among school-aged children has reached alarming levels, with many teachers feeling overwhelmed by the growing demands. Nearly 90% of teachers reported being more involved in providing mental health support than ever before. Furthermore, 78% of respondents said that students’ mental health had deteriorated since they began teaching, while 76% noted that fewer than half of the students who need support are actually receiving it.
This strain on teachers is also affecting students’ academic performance. Nearly three in four teachers (74%) believe poor mental health support is harming students’ ability to learn. Laura Bunt, CEO of YoungMinds, emphasized the urgent need for more resources, stating that teachers are “juggling teaching and supporting pupils’ mental health,” often at the expense of academic instruction.
NHS Response and Future Plans
NHS England has acknowledged the issue, pointing out that it is treating 55% more young people now than before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, long waiting times remain a significant problem, with some students waiting as long as 147 days for support. A spokesperson for the NHS noted that the organization is working to reduce wait times and increase access to mental health services in schools. They also announced plans to expand the availability of NHS mental health teams in schools by 2025, ensuring that over half of students will have access to specialized support.
Despite these efforts, many teachers feel that the current system is inadequate. One teacher described the situation as a “national scandal,” criticizing the lack of provisions for students in need. The children’s commissioner for England revealed that nearly a million children were referred to NHS mental health services in 2022-23, with over 270,000 still waiting for support. As the mental health crisis continues to escalate, teachers remain on the front lines, providing critical support to students while balancing their regular educational responsibilities.
