This week I report on the publication of new non-statutory guidance on wraparound childcare for primary schools, the announcement of a consultative ballot by the NASUWT to secure improved pay and conditions for teachers and a Schools Week report on the NHS’s pledge to provide increased child mental health support that is behind target.

New non-statutory guidance on wraparound childcare published
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined an “ambition” last year for primary schools to provide wraparound childcare, with £289 million funding to implement the scheme. The DfE has published new non-statutory guidance which explains the role of schools and academy trusts in supporting parents to access wraparound childcare. It provides guidance to help schools offer new or expanded wraparound childcare, with support from the national wraparound childcare programme.

NASUWT announces plans for a consultative ballot
The NASUWT has joined the National Education Union in announcing that it will hold a consultative ballot over the coming weeks as part of its campaign, up to and including industrial action, to secure improved pay and conditions for teachers. The two votes come amid increasing tension between government and unions over next year’s pay deal.

Child mental health support pledge looks in doubt
Today Schools Week reports on a flagship pledge to get more youngsters access to mental health services which is behind schedule and looks set to be missed unless rates are quickly increased.

The NHS’s 2019 long-term plan promised that by March this year, at least an additional 345,000 children and young people up to age 25 could access support through either NHS funded mental health services or new school mental health support teams. However, a presentation by NHS bosses, seen by Schools Week, shows only about 234,000 extra children were getting support in October, a gap of 111,000. The news comes in the same week that analysis found a 50% rise in the number of children being referred to emergency mental healthcare services in just three years. Both issues are heaping more pressure on schools, which are feeling the impact of stretched wider services.