Recommendation 64

HM Government · verbatim extract Not Addressed

We do not believe that producing a list of responsibilities for schools and teachers would be helpful, as looking after the development and wellbeing of large numbers of children is inevitably complex. Recognising that workload pressures extend beyond teaching, the Prime Minister announced a new Child Poverty Taskforce in July, co-chaired by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education. The Taskforce will publish its strategy later this year. Our reforms to special educational needs and disability will improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs. The government already collates a range of existing data from multiple sources to monitor mental health and wellbeing for children and young people in England and compares this to other countries. However, we agree with the need for cross-government work on this issue, which is why the DfE will continue to work closely with DHSC and others to coordinate our approach to promote and support the mental health and wellbeing of children. The government will work to ensure the right support is available to every young person that needs it, including providing access to specialist mental health professionals in every school, and putting in place new Young Futures hubs, including access to mental health support workers. The prevalence of mental health needs has grown significantly over the last decade; faster than growth in mental health workforce. The government will also recruit 8,500 additional mental health workers across children and adult mental health services to reduce delays and provide faster treatment.