Teachers have warned that young and vulnerable children suffering from mental health issues could end up with serious psychiatric problem as they reach adulthood if left untreated.
The National Association of Head Teachers have warned that there needs to be more mental health support in primary schools, as it is increasingly becoming an issue for children under the age of 11.
Russell Hobby, general secretary of the NAHT explained: “Schools play a vital role in supporting children's mental health and building their resilience - but rising demand, growing complexity and tight budgets can get in the way of helping the children who need it most."
While counsellors are more routine in secondary schools and beyond, for primary schools, accessing local mental health professionals is a challenge, leaving kids going through difficult situations without support they need.
After asking almost 1500 head teachers across the country about the issue, the committee concluded that as much as two thirds of institutes simply cannot presently tackle such issues, as they lack the essential resources to deal with exact care that children need.
One teacher said: “There is a big gap in provision in this area for primary age children. When we feel we need more specialist intervention or advice than we are able to provide, there is not much else to access."
Separating parents, illness and death in the family and unsettled home lives are common issues among young children today, and teachers feel kids going through such situations needs help from within the school system.
The government has promised that it will dedicate £1.4 billion to children’s mental health needs.
"We're at a turning point in how we tackle children's mental health issues and are determined to get it right,” said The Department for Education. .
"That's why we're investing £1.4bn over this Parliament to transform mental health support for children and young people.”