James Sunderland MP asks the Secretary of State for Education about tackling the backlog in child and adolescent mental health services caused as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mental Health Support: Covid-19
James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support pupils’ mental health during the covid-19 outbreak. [903511]
The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson)
We have published guidance and resources for parents and schools on how to support children’s mental wellbeing while they are not at school. We have given schools the flexibility to have a face-to-face check-up with all pupils during the summer term. Returning to school is the most vital factor in the wellbeing of pupils and educational progress. We have recently produced new training for teachers on how to teach about mental health issues as pupils go back to school.
James Sunderland
Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the provision of child and adolescent mental health services throughout the UK. Will the Secretary of State please confirm what is happening right now to reduce the backlog?
Gavin Williamson
My hon. Friend champions the mental wellbeing of young people and all his constituents often and regularly. I would be happy to meet him to discuss how we can do more to help. We are working closely with both Public Health England and NHS England on how we can help and support them to reduce CAMHS waiting times. In addition, I will raise the issue with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.