Written question WQ85551

In March 2021 we published statutory guidance for schools on developing a whole school approach to wellbeing. The guidance compliments the ‘NEST/NYTH Framework’ published in May 2021 by the NHS Wales Health Collaborative. Taken together the two pieces of guidance aim to ensure a 'whole system' approach for developing mental health, wellbeing and support services for babies, children, young people, parents, carers and their wider families across Wales; both within the school and across the wider community.

This year the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing and I have agreed funding of over £5m for local health boards to develop and implement CAMHS school in-reach services across all Wales, supporting and promoting the whole system approach and the need for services to work together in the interests of the child. The in-reach services build on successful pilot programmes and see specialist mental health practitioners in schools providing consultation, liaison, advice and training to school staff.

The Deputy Minister and I continue to keep activity in this area under review through the Joint Ministerial Task and Finish Group which we jointly chair. The Group comprises wide ranging sectoral representation, including from across Education and Health, and advises us on the work needed to support children and young people’s wellbeing.