MP has welcomed target pledge

DR Luke Evans, Member of Parliament of Bosworth, has welcomed news that the Government’s target for 35% of pupils to be supported by mental health teams has been achieved ahead of schedule.

Dr Evans was a member of the influential Health and Social Care Committee, which carries out enquiries into health concerns of the nation. During his almost three years on the Committee, the group reported into child mental health and SEND provision. One key recommendation was the provision of mental health teams in school settings.

Following up on the Health Select Committee report, and in a response to a question raised by Evans, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, confirmed that the Government had met its target coverage of 35% of students by the end of 2023 over 7 months early.

This means over 3 million children and young people have access to Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in schools.

The GP turned MP also raised the issue of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in Leicestershire, which he has been calling on Government to improve as “day in and day out we hear cases, across Leicestershire, where parents have to struggle and fight to get SEND support.”

In response to Dr Evans’ question, the Health Secretary confirmed that the Government plans to increase the number of operational mental health support teams to 500 by spring next year.

MHSTs have three core functions: to deliver evidence-based interventions for mild-tomoderate mental health issues, support the senior mental health lead (where established), and give timely advise to staff to help children and young people to get the right support and stay in education

There are currently eight MHSTs in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, with a total of 92 across the Midlands.