Overview

This bill amends the Education Act 2002 and the Academies Act 2010 to legally require schools in England and Wales to prioritize and actively promote the mental health and wellbeing of their pupils alongside academic achievement. It mandates specific actions from governing bodies and incorporates mental health considerations into school policy and practice.

Description

The bill introduces several key changes:

• Amendment to the Education Act 2002: The Secretary of State will be required to create regulations compelling governing bodies to:
• Promote pupil mental health.
• Support pupils experiencing mental ill health.
• Develop and publish mental health policies.
• Provide mental health training for staff.
• Collaborate with other schools, local authorities, and the NHS on mental health initiatives.
• Curriculum Change: The curriculum will be amended to explicitly include promoting pupils' mental health and wellbeing alongside academic achievement.
• Amendment to the Academies Act 2010: Academies will be required to follow the same guidelines as governing bodies regarding pupil mental health.

The bill will come into effect six months after it is passed and applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify direct government spending figures. The cost will likely be indirect, stemming from the implementation of new regulations, staff training, and potential increased demand for mental health services. No specific budget has been allocated.

Groups Affected

The bill will impact several groups:

• Schools and Academies: They will be legally obligated to implement new policies and training programs related to pupil mental health.
• Governing Bodies: They will have increased responsibilities in overseeing mental health initiatives within schools.
• School Staff: They will require additional training and may experience increased workload.
• Pupils: They will directly benefit from a more supportive school environment prioritizing their mental wellbeing.
• Local Authorities and NHS: Increased collaboration and potential demand for mental health services are expected.

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