Under government plans, all pupils will have access to mental health support in school by 2029/30, delivering on its Plan for Change to improve children's life chances and tackle the root causes of poor attendance and behaviour. 

The teams are made up of specialists who intervene early with children with mild to moderate mental health issues, empowering them to work through challenges in a calm and supportive learning environment. They also provide timely advice to school and college staff to develop a whole-school approach to mental health and liaise with external specialist services such as the NHS, to help young people get the right support and stay in education.

The investment means six in ten pupils will have access to a mental health support team by March 2026, with the rollout prioritised based on NHS identification of local need and reaching the most vulnerable children first.

Wes Streeting, health and social care secretary, said: ‘This government is bringing in vital services to schools, so they can intervene early, support pupils, and help prevent conditions from becoming severe.

‘Backed by an extra £680m in government funding this year, we are transforming mental health services for children – hiring more staff, delivering more talking therapies, and getting waiting lists down through our Plan for Change – so children can have the best possible start in life.'

Education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, added: ‘Expanding mental health support for young people is one of the single biggest steps we can take to improve children's life chances, make sure all pupils are getting the very most out of school and deliver excellence for every child.'

The government is recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health workers across children and adult mental health services to reduce delays and provide faster treatment. This will work alongside the further 6,500 teachers so every classroom has a teacher to ensure that every child is supported in and outside of school.