English schools buying in mental health support has 'almost doubled' in three years

A recent poll, as reported in The Guardian, found that 66% of school leaders are commissioning professionals such as counsellors, up from 36% in 2016. Lucy Stephens, Founder and Head Teacher of The New School, wanted to share her thoughts on the poll and how the current school system impacts the mental health of young people.

If we have no time left in the school day to focus on supporting social and emotional skills, and how we relate to each other - including those who are different from ourselves, we cannot hope to make a positive impact on what are frankly horrifying mental health statistics. 

Creating school cultures that value different opinions, support respectful communication, give young people agency in learning, and ensure partnership relationships between adults and children - as oppose to dictatorial adult control, is key to improving mental wellness.  The structures of the education system - particularly the outcomes structure - exacerbate and perpetuate mental health crises.

The number of schools in England buying in professional mental health support for pupils has nearly doubled in three years

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