Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Liz McInnes and Ben Howlett

Monday 25th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Liz McInnes (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab)]

1. What estimate she has made of the number of children in schools with mental health problems; and what assessment she has made of the capacity of schools and sixth-form colleges to appropriately support those children.

[Ben Howlett (Bath) (Con)]

8. What steps the Government are taking in schools to support young people with their mental health.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Nicky Morgan)]

First, may I take this opportunity to welcome the new shadow Ministers for childcare, the hon. Member for Darlington (Jenny Chapman), and for mental health, the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger), to their places on the Opposition Front Bench?

This Government are committed to helping all young people fulfil their potential. Mental health is a personal priority for me as Secretary of State and we are committed to helping schools provide the necessary support. This includes a pilot to improve access to specialist services where needed, and guidance on counselling, behaviour and teaching about mental health. The Government are also investing an additional £1.4 billion in children and young people’s mental health services, which will deliver a step-change in the way these services are commissioned and delivered.