To consider the submitted report which provides an update on the support available for children’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health, with a focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services – Councillor Bye, the Director of Women and Children’s Improvement NHS Devon – Su Smart and Holly Billington - Family Devon Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provided an overview of the submitted report in respect of support for children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health and responded to questions. 

Members asked questions in relation to the following:

·                The report was Devon-wide; what does it mean for Torbay?

·                When will we know if the pilot was successful?

·                Were care experienced children prioritised for mental health support?

·                Why don’t we have guaranteed access within 10 days like other areas for care experienced children and young people?

·                What feedback had been received from school-based Teams?

·                How many schools have not signed up?

·                Were eating disorders increasing due to weight-loss jabs?

The following responses were received:

·                Data was specific to Torbay.  Torbay leads the way with 70% school coverage (compared to 60% Devon average).  Recruitment challenges were less severe locally.

·                NHS England was reviewing expansion for neurodiversity inclusion.  There was no confirmed timeframe, but colleagues were pushing locally for quick implementation.

·                Prioritisation was clinically driven by risk and complexity.  Care experienced children were given a booked appointment within 8 weeks of referral and were given the highest complexity of need.

·                Focus had been on reducing overall waiting times.  A triage pilot was due to start in January 2026: all referrals would get a phone call within 14 days, with risk assessment and signposting.

·                Teams report:

·                High engagement and award-winning status.

·                Challenges with behaviour policies and parental expectations.

·                Need for more neurodiversity training and flexibility.

·                Plans for workshops with Parent Carer Forum.

·                About 6,000 children lack Mental Health Schools Team (MHST) coverage, including home-educated children.  Members requested representatives from the MHST to be invited to attend a future meeting of the Sub-Board.

·                There had been a few cases of children accessing adult jabs, but no significant trend.  Proactive measures include:

·                Body image videos for ages 5–8, parents, and professionals.

·                Focus on neurodiverse children and food issues.

The following links were provided after the meeting which contain key information on mental health support, which Members were encouraged to share:

Mental Health Support Teams:

This link covers the full offer, which schools they we are in and key resources: The Mental Health Support Team in Schools (MHST) - Children and Family Health Devon

Lumi Nova - Lumi Nova: A therapeutic game for children's worries and anxiety - Children and Family Health Devon

YouTube Videos for Mental health Support Teams: Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

Specific ‘Overview of MHST’ featuring Torbay: Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

Body image support: Body image workshops - Children and Family Health Devon

Resolved (unanimously):

1.       that Members of the Children and Young People’s Overview Scrutiny Sub-Board note the contents of the submitted report;

2.       that Members acknowledge the significant improvements highlighted in the report and the support the proposed work going forward; and

3.       that all Councillors to be requested to identify locations for My Way sessions to be held across Torbay and share with NHS Devon.