Self-harm
The national inquiry into self-harm has said that training is patchy and inadequate and official health advice for teachers and school nurses ignores the subject.
But while pupils did not want staff acting as counsellors, schools are the best place for other groups to get involved, the interim report concluded.
Many do not seek help because they fear raising the "taboo" subject, it found.
The inquiry says more training and information packs are vital to make sure those pupils who did contact schools got a supportive response.
Stakeholder Response: Professional Association of Teachers
Jean Gemmell,PAT general secretary, said: "This is a very distressing and alarming problem. Teachers certainly need training and support to identify the signs and to facilitate the appropriate help for affected pupils.
"The Children Act - with its emphasis on integrated education and care services - should make this sort of issue easier to identify and deal with in the future."
Stakeholder Response: NASUWT
Chris Keates, general secretary of NASUWT, said: "This report raises a number of important issues which merit further detailed consideration.
"I welcome the fact that it not only highlights concerns about the support available for vulnerable young people in schools but also recognises the pressures educational professionals already face in carrying out their responsibilities.
"With the best will in the world teachers cannot be expected to have the level of psychiatric awareness that would ensure that vulnerable young people, intent on self harm, are given the level of support that might prevent it taking place and the report duly recognises this.
"I, therefore, support the call for the government to draw on external sources to assist and support schools in reducing the prevalence of self-harm. This is entirely consistent with the provisions of the national agreement on remodelling the school workforce and the aims of the children’s services agenda.
"It will ensure that appropriately trained and qualified staff are at the heart of the vital task of ensuring the physical and mental well being of young people."
Stakeholder Comment
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