Commenting as the government announces that nearly half of schools and colleges now have access to mental health support teams, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Schools have seen more children struggling with their mental health and wellbeing in recent years and this can also affect their ability to attend school and thrive.

“We have therefore welcomed the expansion of mental health support teams, and the completion of their roll-out cannot come soon enough for schools which too often struggle to access support for children in clear need of help.

“We have seen how these teams can play a key role in offering vital early support which prevents problems escalating.

“It’s crucial that these teams are also complemented by sustained investment in community mental health services, where there is considerable ground for the government to make up after years in which investment failed to keep pace with demand.

“This has meant that school, families and other services are frequently faced with high thresholds for support and long waiting lists when children are deemed eligible for help.”