Mental Health Charity CEO urges innovative approach to slash school suspensions
By Jill Dando News
The CEO of a leading mental health charity has proposed a groundbreaking solution that could revolutionise the education system.
Dawn Carey of In Charley’s Memory in Somerset said that the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health has been catastrophic.
Her charity is now advocating for a proactive approach to support students and reduce behavioural issues in schools.
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Her comments came as the number of suspensions in schools in England has taken a shock rise with numbers at a record high,
The disciplinary action has risen by more than a third in a year. It is the “highest recorded” number of suspensions in a single academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) said.
There were 786,961 suspensions in the 2022/23 academic year, compared with 578,280 in 2021/22 – a rise of 36%, according to the data.
The CEO emphasized the importance of early intervention and specialized training for teachers in mental health support.
She said: “This news has come as no surprise. We have said the impact of covid will be felt for a long time.
“No child wakes up deciding to be disruptive or naughty but often there are underlying issues happening.
“But as British teachers are NOT trained in mental heath support the childrens behaviour will often escalate leading to suspension.
“Early intervention is paramount in making a difference and not just for their mental health but for their education. It is not rocket science.”
She added "By equipping our educators with the right tools and knowledge, we can address the root causes of challenging behaviour before it escalates."
The number of permanent exclusions also increased to a record high in the 2022/23 academic year, the DfE said.
Overall, there were 9,376 permanent exclusions in 2022/23, compared with 6,495 the year before – a rise of 44%, the figures show.
The rise of suspensions – which are when a pupil is excluded from a school for a set period of time – comes amid warnings of challenging behaviour in classrooms following the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The charity is working closely with educational institutions to develop comprehensive mental health training programs for teachers.
This initiative aims to create a more supportive and understanding school environment, leading to improved student well-being and academic performance.
The CEO expressed optimism about the future, saying, "With the right support systems in place, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive both emotionally and academically."
This innovative strategy not only addresses immediate behavioral concerns but also promises long-term benefits for students' mental health and educational outcomes.
As more schools adopt this approach, it's expected to create a positive ripple effect throughout the education system, fostering a generation of resilient and well-supported young individuals."
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