Understanding the mental health needs of children under five in one inner city authority

There is increasing awareness of mental health problems among young children, and early years settings are encouraged to take a wider family support role in order to prevent 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 early years children in one inner city local authority were contacted. A one-stage survey was undertaken using the Early Years Behaviour Checklist (EYBC) and questions ascertaining services required. Questionnaires were distributed in appropriate languages to parents and teachers of 364 children. About 362 teacher questionnaires and 177 parent questionnaires were returned. Detailed analysis of the teacher questionnaires demonstrated that 11% (40) of the children scored in the abnormal range on the EYBC for possible behaviour problems. Just under half of parents returned questionnaires, and 11.9% (21) of the children were scored in the abnormal range for possible behaviour problems. This study indicates that the mental health needs of children under 5 in this inner city sample were broadly in keeping with the national figures. Implications for service delivery are discussed. © 2012 Taylor & Francis.