Improve children's mental health care, urge head teachers

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Head teachers say more young people are suffering mental health issues

More young people are suffering from mental health issues but the care on offer outside schools is not keeping pace, say head teachers.

In total, 55% of 338 school leaders surveyed by the Association of School and College Leaders reported a large rise in pupils with anxiety and stress.

Almost 65% said they struggled to get mental health services for pupils.

The government said it was investing £1.4bn on children's mental health services in England.

The survey, launched at the Association of School and College Leaders' (ASCL) annual conference in Birmingham, found that over the past five years:
◾79% of heads saw an increase in self harm or suicidal thoughts among students.
◾40% reported a big rise in cyber-bullying
◾But 53% of those who had referred a pupil to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) rated them poor or very poor.
◾Overall 80% of respondents wanted to see CAMHS expanded in their area.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-35730625