Returned the discussion to the topic of mental health support for children and young people, highlighting a consensus across the House. Reported school students in Sheffield expressing the need for better access to mental health services over 10 years. Emphasised the pandemic's impact on exacerbating issues with child and adolescent mental health, citing statistics from the Children’s Commissioner (2021) where over 500,000 children were referred to CAMHS in two years, but approximately 3,500 either had their referral closed or were still on waiting lists. Discussed the rise of A&E attendances by young people with a recorded diagnosis of psychiatric conditions since 2010 and outlined that prior to the pandemic one third of schools did not provide any mental health support in school. Stressed the need for funding for counselling services, early intervention, and better training for teachers.

Congratulated MPs on securing a debate on children's mental health services and thanked young people from Peterborough schools for their work. Cited statistics showing an increasing demand for mental health services due to pandemic measures, with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children reporting 67 children seeking help daily for suicidal thoughts in 2021. Emphasised the need for early intervention through school-based counselling and supported research suggesting that such provision prevents issues from becoming crises. Cited local evidence demonstrating the advantages of on-site qualified counsellors, who can provide long-term support without students missing education time or being burdened by waiting lists.

Young people have faced uncertainty and disruption due to the pandemic, with many experiencing financial insecurity, trauma, and bereavement. A survey by YoungMinds revealed that two-thirds of young people aged 13 to 25 believe the pandemic will negatively impact their mental health long-term. Prior to the pandemic, one in nine children had a diagnosable mental health condition; now, it is estimated that one in six young people has probable mental health disorders. Schools often lack adequate resources and support for mental health, with only around half providing on-site access to a counsellor. The speaker highlighted issues such as CAMHS capacity limitations, bureaucratic barriers, and cultural stigma affecting access to care. She proposed Labour's plan to expand the mental health workforce, ensure trained mental health counsellors in every school, and establish open-access mental health hubs in communities.

Acknowledging the importance of specialist schools for children with learning difficulties, Damien Moore expressed support for the Government's measures to boost mental health provision during the pandemic. He cited £79 million in funding to enable nearly 3 million children to access mental health support teams and an additional £17 million for training senior mental health leads. While endorsing these initiatives, he also noted challenges such as capacity constraints at specialist schools and difficulties obtaining educational health and care plans (EHCP). Moore advocated for early intervention and the provision of qualified school-based counsellors to address moderate mental health issues.

Welcomes the debate on children's mental health services. Acknowledges the scale of mental illness among children and highlights that 41% of parents prioritise additional resources for mental health services after learning resources. Mentions a survey by Parentkind revealing parental concerns and a report by the British Psychological Society confirming an increase in incidence from one in nine to one in six in 2020, with only six in ten children receiving regular support. Advocates for a comprehensive pathway starting in school and emphasises the need for educational psychologists as part of the workforce strategy.

Highlights the importance of early intervention for eating disorders among children and young people. Stresses that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders and often go undiagnosed or untreated, particularly affecting school-aged children during adolescence. Mentions an increase in waiting times for treatment due to the pandemic. Advocates for more resources in schools for early intervention, counselling, and support services, urging the Minister to provide additional funding for sustainable counselling provision.

The debate highlighted the significant impact of social media, stigma around mental health, and the exacerbation of existing issues due to the pandemic. The speaker emphasised a 96% increase in under-18s being referred to mental health services between spring 2019 and spring 2021 according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, with only two in five children with a diagnosed condition accessing specialist support. Siddiq discussed the lack of school-based counselling and the need for trained professionals, proposing that every secondary school should have a full-time staff member dedicated to mental health support, while primary schools would share such resources locally. She also advocated for visible drop-in mental health hubs within communities, complementing in-school counselling.

The Government are committed to treating mental health with the same urgency as physical health and promoting resilience in schools. They have invested £7 million this year for the Wellbeing for Education Recovery programme, building on previous efforts to support education staff dealing with additional pressures such as trauma, anxiety, or grief. The Government also plan to invest up to £5 billion for recovery support for children and young people who need it most, including an additional £1 billion of new recovery premium funding for disadvantaged pupils. Schools are encouraged but not mandated to offer counselling services based on their specific needs.

The Minister's speech was seen as pre-prepared and did not adequately respond to the debate points raised, particularly regarding in-house mental health support for schools rather than signposting to outside services.

Responded to Kevan Jones's point of order by stating that it was not a point of order and suggested that if Members do not like what the Minister is saying, they can intervene or continue with their debate.

Encouraged Madam Deputy Speaker to allow an intervention regarding the need for schools to have in-house mental health support rather than signposting pupils to external services.

Asked about the assessment of coverage provided by mental health teams and requested a detailed estimate of full-time equivalent professional mental health workers supporting pupils in schools.

Expressed appreciation for Labour Members' contributions, which were compassionate towards those seeking help on the topic of school-based counselling services. Praises colleagues from all parties and thanked his hon. Friend for her contribution.