THE National Education Union (NEU) welcomed government plans today to help school students struggling with mental health problems but called for further work to bring waiting times down.

NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said the scheme, which will roll out mental health support in schools for up to 900,000 more pupils a year, was a positive step forward.

But in a statement following the government announcement, Mr Kebede also called for further collaboration between the education and health departments to bring down waiting times.

He said: “We were pleased to hear the Secretary of State recognises the pressure schools are under, with so many families asking for support and referrals.

“School staff are also desperate to see government tackle the social issues such as poverty and social disadvantage that make life chances so unequal.

“Health and education departments in Westminster must work together to get those waiting lists down fast.”

The new scheme promises that six in 10 pupils will receive mental health support by March next year, with help for 500 schools that reported attendance and behavioural problems.

This forms part of a wider Labour promise to give all pupils access to mental health support by 2030.