MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MUST BE IN OFSTED INSPECTIONS SAY STOCKTON LIB DEMS

Leading Liberal Democrat Peers have written to the Chief Inspector of Ofsted to urge her to include assessments of mental health support in schools in Ofsted Inspections.

The new draft Ofsted framework does not include assessment of the work that schools and colleges do in promoting or supporting the mental health of students.

David Minchella, a mental health professional, said "Teachers are often among the first to notice the signs that a pupil may be developing a mental health problem. Considering this and the fact the Tories are refusing to fund mental health support properly, it is important to assess schools on how they support children and young people's wellbeing."

Councillor Julia Cherrett adds "it is important that the resources to do this are there, and the assessments are not just a box to tick to say that support is in place, but real evidence of how support would be available".