3 April 2002
Dear Sir
While we of course support the NUT's notion of having enough resources in schools to support children with psychological, emotional or behavioural problems, we do have concerns about the proposal that potentially troublesome children should be screened before being admitted to school.
How long would it take for such a screening to take place? And on what basis would a child be deemed appropriate for screening to start with? We know that, for many children with mental health problems, being accepted at school and gaining the confidence that comes from being supported to achieve academically and socially is crucial to their development. If these children are to be excluded for long periods of time awaiting screening (and when they arrive in schools, are therefore clearly labelled as having problems) are we not reinforcing potential stigma and discrimination, making it more difficult for them to succeed?
Yours faithfully
Ruth Lesirge
Chief Executive, Mental Health Foundation
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