Too many children and young people – especially those who are neurodiverse, have special educational needs, or come from lower socio-economic backgrounds – still face significant barriers to reaching their full potential. However, recent government commitments offer hope that we are beginning to build a system that works for every child.
The expansion of school-based mental health support is a long-overdue but welcome step. With £680 million allocated this year, the plan aims to reach up to 900,000 more children, ensuring every pupil has access to mental health support in school by 2029/30. The link between poor mental health and poor attendance is clear, and both can severely limit a child’s ability to learn and succeed.
Every child deserves the best start in life. This investment is a crucial step in providing the support they need to thrive. But funding alone isn’t enough – we must also ensure that professionals are equipped to support children with diverse needs and that schools have the resources to retain them.
Recruitment plays a vital role. The government’s measures to attract and retain teachers, including up to £28,000 in funding for apprentices in high-need subjects, are a targeted approach to addressing teacher shortages and ensuring access to high-quality teaching for all.
Plans to recruit 8,500 new mental health workers and 6,500 new teachers could be transformative for children across the country.
I firmly believe that participation in physical activity and the creative sector significantly benefits mental health and plays a vital role in improving young people’s wellbeing. At the recent GM Moving Conference, I joined a panel to discuss this very issue. We had inspiring conversations about the importance of culture, grassroots support, and creating healthier, more active communities.
One particularly exciting initiative is the Government’s Inclusion 2028 programme. Backed by a coalition of expert organisations, it will introduce 600 new after-school clubs and leadership opportunities, bringing inclusive PE and sport to hundreds of thousands of pupils with SEND. This programme highlights the transformative power of sport—from improved mental wellbeing and teamwork to greater resilience and achievement.
As a member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to examine the health of sport in schools and communities through the ‘Game On: Community and School Sport Inquiry.’ I’ve been especially focused on how national and local bodies, clubs, and organisations can collaborate to better support school and grassroots sports.
Beyond sport, it’s encouraging to see renewed support for the arts. The upcoming National Centre for Arts and Music Education, set to launch in 2026, will help unlock every child’s creative potential. It will strengthen the talent pipeline and prepare young people for life and work in a rapidly changing world.
These initiatives are part of the Government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to break the link between background and success. It’s an ambitious vision – and rightly so. Every child, regardless of their needs or where they live, deserves the chance to thrive.
These are promising steps, but not final solutions. Continued investment, accountability, and a commitment to listening to children, families, and educators are essential.
Since being elected, I’ve spoken with countless parents, carers, and educators across Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Golborne, and Lowton who are passionate about helping the next generation prosper. I remain dedicated to advocating for them—both locally and in Westminster.
If you are a constituent in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at jo.platt.mp@parliament.uk.
Note: This article was originally published on the Wigan Today website, on Tuesday 27 May, 2025.