Guidance for schools: Getting advice and signposting

The Education Hub. (DfE 2021)

Mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff. ‘Useful links and sources of support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need.’

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2021/02/01/mental-health-resources-for-children-parents-carers-and-school-staff/

Schools’ wellbeing partnership https://schoolswellbeing.org.uk/

An excellent resource to enable Senior Leadership Teams to: Feel supported and informed about the range of mental health and wellbeing resources available. Facilitate a conversation about practical steps the school or college can take to support staff and students with their wellbeing

Anna Freud National Centre for children and families https://www.annafreud.org/.

Signposting activities schools and colleges can use to increase the profile of mental health in the school community.

https://www.annafreud.org/schools-and-colleges/5-steps-to-mental-health-and-wellbeing/leading-change/signpost-information-for-governors-staff-pupils-parents-and-carers/ 

Schools will have different structures in place in terms of how to address concerns among pupils. These will include safeguarding concerns, friendship worries and problems, family issues, sexual health concerns, learning support and wide – ranging emotional needs.

Assessment and intervention pathways need to be clear, possibly by using a flow chart as part of a policy document which identifies key members of staff and their responsibilities.

The Charlie Waller Trust https://charliewaller.org/ provides a template which schools can use:

https://www.egfl.org.uk/sites/default/files/School_effectiveness/Health-improvement/training-resources/How%20to%20write%20a%20mental%20health%20policy.pdf

See additional guidance materials for schools in Thriving, Getting help, Getting More Help and Getting Risk Support