More children are being referred for mental health support, with figures exceeding one million, highlighting a growing concern for the well-being of young people.
Statistics suggest that demand has been growing especially for children with suspected autism and neurodevelopmental conditions, with cases of suspected autism rising by almost 50% in a single year, surpassing 96,000.
Children are facing a mental health crisis, with those suspected of having autism or neurodevelopmental conditions waiting longest to receive diagnoses and treatment.
According to recent figures, fewer than 1 in 5 children with suspected neurodevelopmental conditions are receiving support, with waits averaging over a year.
More than 60,000 children are waiting over two years for help, a significant increase from the previous year.
A change in approach is being called for, with a need for more collaboration between health, education, and social care to ensure children receive the help they need in schools and the community.
Charities have raised concerns about the barriers facing Black children and those from racial minorities, particularly those referred with suspected autism or neurodevelopmental conditions.
According to statistics, 25% of Black children were referred for being in crisis compared with 16% of Asian children and 7.4% of white children.
Children from the most deprived 10% of areas in England accounted for 15% of referrals, while those from the least deprived postcodes made up 7.6%.
An independent inquiry has concluded that once-in-a-generation reforms are needed to rectify an education system that is not serving the interests of white working-class children.
The inquiry found that white working-class families believe the education system does not guarantee future success for them, with 48% of white working-class children reaching a good level of development by age five.
At GCSE level, 36% of white working-class pupils achieved a grade 4 (pass grade) or above in English and maths, compared with 72% of all pupils not on free school meals.
Widespread changes are now being called for to improve mental health support in children's early school years, including increasing free childcare hours for disadvantaged families and ensuring reading fluency at primary school is a national priority for white working-class children.
Children and young people's mental health services are a range of support services available to children and young people, usually delivered or funded by the NHS.
Services include mental health support teams in schools and colleges, NHS-funded services from local mental health organisations, and NHS services known as children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
Services are usually for anyone under 18, with some services used up to the age of 25.
Children's and young people's mental health services cover a wide range of mental health needs, including support to manage feelings, behaviours, and experiences.
