Schools in middle of mental health crisis

Kids chief slams long waits for help

- BY DAVE BURKE

ENGLAND'S schools are facing a mental health crisis which is piling pressure on headteachers and staff, an alarming report today warns.

A survey of primary and secondary schools found the top concern is a lack of access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Long waits mean teachers have to step in, Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza's report said.

She wrote: "Schools are increasingly dealing with mental health difficulties and being asked to fill the gaps where children face long waiting lists for community services."