Pupils with SEND: supporting mental health

Learn about whole-school strategies and personalised interventions to support the mental health of pupils with SEND. Find resources from charities and get guidance on writing your mental health policy.

Last reviewed on 16 August 2023
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School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 33686
Contents
  1. Have a robust mental health policy
  2. Create an inclusive school culture
  3. Get pupils used to talking about mental health
  4. Monitor pupils’ mental health and wellbeing
  5. Prevent mental health from becoming a barrier to attendance
  6. Run staff training
  7. Offer targeted support

Have a robust mental health policy

There's no statutory requirement to have a mental health policy, but having one will help you and your staff provide consistent support to pupils. 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 the safeguarding team
  • How staff should manage disclosures 
  • Escalation processes
  • The role of parents or carers

 See examples of mental health policies from: 

Create an inclusive school culture

Tackle social isolation

Switch up the

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