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<p>Children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing is a priority for this
Government and we know that schools, colleges and universities can play an important
role in promoting good mental wellbeing at all times during the academic cycle.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>To support schools we have provided a range of information, support,
advice and guidance. This includes guidance on how to ensure school-based counselling
services achieve the best outcomes for all students, including vulnerable children
and young people <a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/counselling-in-schools"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/publications/counselling-in-schools</a>; guidance
on teaching about mental health within their PSHE curriculum <a href="http://www.pshe-association.org.uk/curriculum-and-resources?ResourceTypeID=3"
target="_blank">www.pshe-association.org.uk/curriculum-and-resources?ResourceTypeID=3</a>;
and providing teachers with access to free on-line support on a range of mental health
issues via MindEd <a href="http://www.minded.org.uk" target="_blank">www.minded.org.uk</a>.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>However schools and colleges are not mental health specialists and
need support from mental health services. Many schools and college already work closely
with local services. To help develop these links further we are extending our joint
training pilot for education and mental health professionals in up to 1200 more schools
and colleges across 20 areas.</p><p> </p><p>We are also undertaking a programme of
randomised control trials of promising preventative programmes that support positive
mental health, as well as launching a programme of activity on peer support. In addition,
we are working closely with the Department of Health, which is funding the provision
of ‘Mental Health First Aid’ training to all secondary schools over the next 3 years.</p><p>
</p><p>Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies, independent from the Government.
There is a great deal of guidance and support available to institutions, and many
offer advice and counselling services and adopt local systems to help identify students
who may be finding it hard to cope. The Universities UK’s ‘Wellbeing in Higher Education’
programme focuses on the need for a whole university approach to mental health and
wellbeing. This programme is already underway, working in partnership with Public
Health England, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, expert voices from
student services and activist charities such as Student Minds.</p><p> </p><p>Examinations
are an important part of education and a vital stepping-stone to future success in
life, whatever route young people choose to take. Excellent teaching is the key to
ensuring pupils feel fully prepared and ready for exams, and schools should have strong
pastoral support in place to help pupils deal with any worries they might have throughout
the year. Teachers know when young people are doing well and if there is an issue,
and they are best placed to work with young people and their families to respond to
signs of stress and to help them access the appropriate support.</p>
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