UK Government Announces Plan to Tackle 'Pupil Absence Epidemic' with Increased Mental Health Support in Schools

The UK government is taking steps to address the growing issue of pupil absenteeism linked to mental health challenges. Recent research from the NHS indicates a strong correlation between poor mental health and school absence, with children experiencing such difficulties being seven times more likely to miss over 15 school days. This has prompted the government to announce a plan to increase mental health support in schools. The initiative aims to provide one-to-one support, group interventions, and resources for parents. The goal is to ensure that all children have access to quality mental health support at school by next year. Students interviewed expressed their hope that this increased support will create a safer environment and encourage better attendance. Stephen Morgan, Under-Secretary for Early Education, stated, "What we're announcing is we want to make sure that 100% of children can access good quality mental health support at school." Baroness Gillian Merron, Under-Secretary for Mental Health, added, "It's not enough, and it's not available soon enough." The government's commitment to improving mental health services in schools represents a crucial step towards creating a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.