Self-harm: policies and guidance

Last reviewed on 9 June 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 33200

Self-harm is a sensitive issue, and it can be difficult to know how to support pupils at risk of self-injury. Find policies from schools, template risk assessments, and flow charts outlining the process for dealing with incidents.

Article tools

Contents

  1. See example policies from schools
  2. Example flowchart on managing incidents
  3. Collaborate with external agencies and parents
  4. Complete a risk assessment
  5. Raise awareness of the signs of self-harm 

See example policies from schools

Primary

Secondary

Special school

Example flowchart on managing incidents

Download this resource on self-harm published by the Charlie Waller Trust, a mental health charity. There's a flowchart on page 14 outlining what to do if school staff become aware of an incident of self-harm.

Collaborate with external agencies and parents

There are no generic procedures you must adopt when dealing with pupils who are at risk of self-harm, as each case is unique. However, where possible, you should: 

By doing this you'll

Read next

Also in 'Pastoral care policies'