Strategic Issues
Strategic Issue 1
High rates of hospital admissions for self-harm, particularly in the 15–19-year-old age range suggests escalation to crisis before intervention. Therefore there may be gaps in community-based preventative services.
Strategic Issue 2
High rates of children in low-income families, increasing free school meal eligibility may exacerbate current mental health issues and lead to the development of others.
Strategic Issue 3
There are low rates of children achieving a good level of development at the end of reception which suggests early cognitive, emotional and social delays which can compound over time affecting school readiness, resilience and long-term mental health. There is also rising pupil absence and declining rates of school pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs which may also indicate a lack of early identification and intervention.
Strategic Issue 4
There are high rates of children in need, looked after children and child protection plans of which groups are at significantly higher risk of mental health disorders and poor life outcomes. There are also high rates of first-time entrants to the youth justice system.