BGCM Motions 2019

GFTU BGCM 2019 MOTION 15

Voice the Union for Education Professionals (2)

Mental Health in Education.

That this Biennial General Council Meeting notes with deep concern the growing crisis in mental health among children and students. Council recalls the GFTU's commitment to education as liberation, and we remember the vital importance of effective and targeted support for all children and students - including but not limited to those with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) - if all are to reach their full potential. Council further notes with growing alarm the on-going impact of funding cuts in this area, not least upon ordinary working people and their families.

Therefore, this BGCM calls upon the Executive Committee to:

a) campaign against any reduction in education funding

b) challenge the replacement of specialist professionals with 'generalists'

c) press for bespoke support for all children and students with mental health issues

d) highlight the use of 'internal exclusion' as a cover for funding cuts