Teachers at the NASUWT conference unanimously passed a motion advocating for suicide prevention training for all school leaders. The motion was prompted by concerns over a “mental health emergency” within the teaching profession, particularly highlighted by the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry following an Ofsted inspection. The motion calls for mental health first aid training for staff in all schools and colleges, along with fully-funded mandatory mental health training. Delegates emphasised the increasing pressures on teachers, citing instances of poor mental health, suicidal thoughts, and attempts. The Department for Education (DfE) announced a grant for mental health leader training in state schools, acknowledging the importance of staff wellbeing.
