Please note: in this article we refer to a number of resources for supporting pupil mental health, including from commercial providers. Their inclusion is for your information, and is not a recommendation from The Key.
Have a robust mental health policy
There's no statutory requirement for schools to have a pupil mental health policy, but having one will help you provide consistent support to all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Your policy could lay out:
- Your whole-school approach to promoting mental wellbeing (see more about this below)
- Warning signs to look out for, and what staff should do if they're concerned about a pupil
- Where pupils can go for support
- The responsibilities of staff members, such as the inclusion lead or designated safeguarding lead (DSL)
- How staff should manage disclosures from pupils
- Escalation processes
- The role of parents and carers
Gordon Primary School, Greenwich Primrose Hill School, Camden Beths Grammar School,