Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Paragraph: 77
Throughout our inquiry, we have heard that pupils’ wellbeing and mental health have been one...
Conclusion
Throughout our inquiry, we have heard that pupils’ wellbeing and mental health have been one of the greatest challenges as schools return. All pupils should undergo a mental health and wellbeing assessment to understand the scale of the problem and schools may wish to direct some of the recovery funding to address mental health difficulties. They should be supported to invest in evidence informed interventions to help pupils. We know that Ofsted inspectors will be looking at how subject leaders and teachers have identified and responded to pupils’ learning gaps as a result of the pandemic. We would like Ofsted to make it clear in their guidance that they will also look for evidence that schools have sought to identify and respond to the mental health and wellbeing needs of their students.
Paragraph Reference:
77
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
73. We recognise the challenges schools face in supporting children and young people to recover from the mental health and wellbeing impacts of the pandemic and the associated measures and restrictions. Our guidance provided when children and young people returned to schools encouraged settings to devote time to supporting wellbeing. The return to full time, face-to-face education presents an important opportunity for schools to identify children and young people in need of support through their pastoral role, as well as using their behavioural, SEND, and safeguarding responses. Training for school senior mental health leads covers the importance of measuring need. However, we do not believe that it is practical, nor necessary, for every child to undergo a clinical assessment of their mental health and wellbeing. 74. As part of Ofsted’s personal development judgement, schools are expected to develop pupils’ confidence, resilience and knowledge so that they can keep themselves mentally healthy. Inspectors also expect schools to provide effective pastoral support which includes being alert to factors that increase a child’s vulnerability, or potential vulnerability, such as mental ill health. This requirement is outlined within Ofsted’s published school inspection handbook. The evidence is clear, however, that a safe, calm and supportive school environment is the best protective factor for a child’s mental health. That must be the primary focus for schools.