ASCL responds to Lib Dem pledge on mental health support for schools

Commenting on the Liberal Democrats' manifesto commitment of a mental health professional in every school to help tackle the crisis in children's mental health and reduce waiting lists, Pepe Di'Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“It is absolutely disgraceful that children with complex mental health needs often face such long waits for specialist treatment. This is despite the fact that the government announced in a green paper seven years ago that it was piloting four-week waiting times. We wholeheartedly support the idea of a mental health professional in every school. This would be a huge help to education staff in dealing with a rising tide of mental health and wellbeing issues.”