Five years after the launch of the government’s Mental Health Support Team (MHST) initiative, only a third of pupils are covered.
The policy has been long-criticised for its slow roll-out and the latest data published this week – Mental Health Awareness Week – by the Department for Education (DfE, 2023) shows just how far there is to go.
As of 2022/23, 28% of schools and colleges (about 6,800) are covered by a MHST and 35% of pupils.
This is projected to rise to 35% of schools and colleges and 44% of learners by April 2024.
MHSTs support the mental health needs of children and young people in primary, secondary and further education (ages 5 to 18), providing early intervention on issues such as mild to moderate anxiety. Delivery is led by the NHS with support from the DfE.
Each MHST covers an average of 8,500 learners in 17 schools or colleges and are also intended to support education settings in promoting good mental health and wellbeing. There are currently around 400 in operation, with another 100 due to come online in April next year.
