The Schools Wellbeing Partnership welcomes the new Government and hopes that their mission for breaking down barriers to opportunities also includes building up support and capacity in schools and other educational settings so that all children and young people can thrive.
We believe that a full commitment to a Whole School Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing is an essential component of this mission and that the following priorities can help to shape a brighter future for all:
Mental health and wellbeing as a strategy priority
- A clear commitment and road map in funding a full rollout of MHSTs in schools so every school is covered by March 2026, with confirmed funding commitments for MHSTs through to 2029 or a 5 year spending review (whichever is the longest).
- Ensure that wellbeing is embedded in the curriculum, including using the review of RSE consultation to support this call and advocating for continued focus on mental health and wellbeing.
Workforce commitments
- A commitment for consistent funding for all schools to have a dedicated Senior Mental Health Lead paid at one day a fortnight to focus on strengthening mental health and wellbeing across the educational setting, including implementation of a whole school approach through to 2029 or within the 5 year spending review (whichever is the longest).
- Inclusion of mental health and wellbeing within Initial Teacher Training, creating an workforce that supports WSAs, including leadership from SMHLs
Systems support
- Reviewed and updated guidance to support parent and carer involvement in conversations around mental health and wellbeing, supporting the whole school approach.
- Clear guidance for both education and health systems to ensure that services and settings are placed within the same health and wellbeing system.
Embedding mental health and wellbeing
- Ensuring that Whole School Approach guidance reflects and support important legislation for children and young people’s rights, including but not limited to, the Equality Act
- Ofsted to commit to including mental health and wellbeing as part of the Ofsted framework and, if developed, a future Ofsted dashboard.