Around 1 in 6 children are experiencing a mental health difficulty, teachers are leaving the profession at an alarming rate, and tens of thousands of children have not returned to school since the pandemic.

Drastic action is needed, yet, earlier this year the Conservatives scrapped their own 10 year mental health plan and, during the King’s Speech and budget announcement offered no sufficient measures in tackling these frightening statistics.

This is not okay and I would argue that our neighbouring countries are doing so much more here! 

The rollout of the new and inspiring Welsh curriculum appears to place children’s wellbeing and creativity at its core.
A complete reform to Scotland’s already more individualised approach to England’s Primary Schools, is also underway. 

“Scottish education needs a significant structural and cultural change to ensure all learners needs are met. We know from our extensive engagement work that currently; the education system isn’t delivering for learners or teachers. We are consistently told about issues around support for learning, and the impact on mental health and wellbeing that the current exam system can result in.” (Children in Scotland’s Chief executive Jude Turbyne)

Children spend many of their most formative years in primary school. These early years build the foundations of their long-term wellbeing and personal learning potential. Investing now is imperative for their future and the future of society as a whole.

In light of this and following the horrifying insight into children’s mental health services I had with my own child, (further details in my update below) I have written the letter below in the hope of adding pressure on government to do more than the current patchy provisions in place and:

Reform the outdated English primary school curriculum adding a heavy focus on mental wellbeing, and increase investment in children's mental health support.

I understand limitations in finances, but emotional consequences aside, early intervention will prevent a huge escalation of costs further down the line reaching far beyond NHS resources. 

If you too share my frustrations here, please sign (and share) my open letter below.

So many of us hope for change, and collectively hold a lot of power in making this happen. 

LETTER TO GOVERNMENT

Thank you,

Emma. 

(Inspired by the invaluable support my family and I received through Chatterminds. https://www.chatterminds.com/ )