Can primary schools contribute effectively to tier I child mental health services?

Abstract

A questionnaire survey of 291 primary schools investigated teachers' contribution to the identification, management and referral of children with mental health problems. The survey aimed to clarify their familiarity with mental health issues and liaison experience with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The teachers expressed great interest in children's mental health, which they judged had significantly impacted on their teaching. They had received little in the way of training in this area but were almost unanimously keen to learn more. Experience of CAMHS was variable, but many expressed uncertainty about pathways of referral and wanted better communication regarding pupils under their care. CAMHS and education departments could usefully plan together to meet schoolteachers training needs and establish appropriate referral pathways. The role of the primary child mental health worker appears to be often under-developed.