CHARTERED COLLEGE COMMENTS ON MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING FOR TEACHERS

The Chartered College of Teaching has today (17th June) commented on an announcement by the Prime Minister which will see all new teachers given mental health training. This will be backed up by updated statutory guidance to make clear schools’ responsibilities to protect children’s mental wellbeing.

Responding to the announcement, Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching, said:

“It is good to see work that will boost awareness amongst teachers of the mental health issues of children. This is especially important considering recent news pointing to a decline in the mental health of young people. However, our overstretched teachers cannot be a replacement for expert child and mental health services. We need mental health specialists within our communities who our teachers can signpost to. That way, by working together we can help provide children with the support they need to ensure they have the strongest start in life.”