Children's Commissioner's Office Project on Children Detained under the Mental Health Act: Visit to Ferndene

On Wednesday 23rd September, Prosper Learning Trust's Chief Executive Officer, Gary Wright, and Newcastle Bridges School, Marie Robson, along with healthcare professionals met with representatives of the Children's Commissioner's Office when they visited Ferndene.

The visit was part of a current project to undertake research to better understand the experiences of children in inpatient mental health settings, particularly those detained under the Mental Health Act. The project falls under the Children's Commissioner's statutory remit to investigate and explore the lived experiences of more vulnerable children in England, particularly those under the care and supervision of the state. She hopes to develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of these children, and how they can be better supported by the services that uphold their rights.

During the visit, a Newcastle Bridges School Student Council representative spoke passionately about their lived experience of the inpatient services and gave insightful feedback to the Children's Commissioner's representatives. 

The Children's Commissioner wants to include the views and opinions of professionals working in and around these settings to better understand what their experiences look like and what could be done at a policy level to improve them.

Ferndene Education Lead, Elizabeth Ferguson, gave feedback regarding how young people's education is impacted during an inpatient stay and detailed how Newcastle Bridges School supports the young people to access education when they are detained.

All views captured will help the Children's Commissioner understand how professionals involved in children's mental health care can be supported to deliver the best service possible and will help to put forward recommendations on how to improve the system to government.

A report will be published at the end of the year.