Diana Johnson (Assistant Whip (funded by HM Treasury); Kingston upon Hull North, Labour)

The Government announced an independent review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in the Children's Plan. The review considered progress made in delivering services to meet the educational, health and social care needs of children and young people at risk of and experiencing mental health problems, including those with complex, severe and persistent needs; and practical solutions to address challenges and deliver better outcomes. The review and the Government's response to its report, together with work we are taking forward around PSA 12—improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people—demonstrate our determination to ensure the right services reach children with acute problems.

The Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) programme seeks to develop the social and emotional skills of all pupils through a whole-school approach, and across the curriculum. The small group work element of SEAL aims to address the needs of pupils who need more support in this area to develop their social and emotional skills. Wave 3 provides intensive, specialist support necessary for pupils with severe behaviour difficulties, or mental health problems.

Following publication of the CAMHS Review report, "Children and Young People in Mind", the Government set up a National Advisory Council for children's mental health and psychological wellbeing. The National Advisory Council has agreed that one of its key focuses will be to take forward work around removing the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Schools and local authorities are statutorily required to have regard to the SEN code of practice for children and young people whose chronic and severe mental health needs entail special educational needs (SEN). The code says that local authorities should have effective arrangements in place to ensure the needs of children and young people with SEN are assessed quickly and matched by appropriate provision, and that schools must do their best to ensure necessary provision is made for pupils with SEN. Special educational needs include those entailing behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

The Government's guidance, "Access to education for children and young people with medical needs" is clear that "School policies and practices need to be as positive and proactive as possible in order to welcome the child or young person back into school and to assist successful reintegration. Consultation with the child and parents about concerns, medical issues, timing and pace of return is important. For some, reintegration is likely to be a gradual process over a period of time. Initially some children and young people will benefit from flexible arrangements which may include attending school part-time while retaining some other support. Others may require alternative provision to allow them to cope with peer relationships and a school environment, before a gradual return to school is possible. Support may need to continue to be available on return to school". Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that an individually tailored reintegration plan is in place for all pupils before they return to school. The plan should have multi-agency approval, and schools have a key role to play.