Parents have recently expressed fears over the potential threat of the emotional and mental health needs of their children no longer being met, after the closure of an so-called outstanding psychological service was recently stated to the public. The Partnership Plan for Children and Young People red-flagged the psychological wellbeing of Royal Borough children in an end of year report, after the Healthy Minds programme was axed in March. Headteacher of Oakfield First School, Dr Roz Sendorek, and councillor Lynne Jones raised concerns that children’s services could be at risk when the report was brought before the children’s services overview and scrutiny panel. Healthy Minds was a service used to address the mental health issues of children, and took referrals from GPs, social workers and schools. The service was cut due to a lack of financial backing and the fact that it was creating inequalities of access to the service, but councillor Phil Bicknell, who is a lead member for the children’s services, explained to the panel that the borough was in negotiations to provide a more accessible and better service for all. Dr Sendorek remained unconvinced, stating that schools already pay out for a number of services and facilities – if a service as outstanding as Healthy Minds is being replaced without cost, who will be funding it? Children have a limited number of services available to help with mental health and emotional issues, so cutting back on those which are working effectively could be a risk to the health and wellbeing of children. Bicknell has stated that the upcoming service will be even better than the last, and will provide everyone with an efficient and accessible service.