Understanding the mental health needs of primary school children in an inner‐city local authority

Abstract

There is growing awareness of mental health problems among children, and schools are increasingly being encouraged to take a wider role in preventing mental health difficulties. Local population studies are needed to inform delivery of universal through to targeted services. In the current study, parents and teachers of 2% of primary school children in one inner city local authority were contacted. A one‐stage survey was undertaken using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The SDQ is a brief behavioural screening questionnaire for 3–16 year olds designed to identify some possible mental health problems and their level of chronicity. In addition to the SDQ, a supplementary questionnaire was also used in order to ascertain services that respondents felt were needed. Questionnaires were distributed to the teachers and parents of 507 children in appropriate languages. Four hundred and three teacher questionnaires and 159 parent questionnaires were returned. Detailed analysis of the teacher questionnaires indicated higher than national levels of need within this sample. Implications for service delivery are discussed.