Wellbeing: whole school approach
Taking a coordinated and evidence-informed approach to mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges leads to improved pupil and student emotional health and wellbeing which can help readiness to learn.
Guidance for headteachers and college principals on the 8 principles for promoting emotional health and wellbeing in schools and colleges.
Funding for senior mental health lead training
The Department for Education (DfE) is offering a senior member of staff in every school or college the opportunity to get a grant for training to help the lead develop or introduce a whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing in their setting.
The grant is provided to cover (or contribute to) the cost of attending a quality assured course and may also be used to hire supply staff whilst leads are engaged in learning. The grant must be used on DfE quality assured training to help develop or introduce your whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.
Existing senior leads might wish to:- develop or refresh their knowledge and skills in specific priority areas- get more advanced training- get a relevant qualification. Schools can decide who gets the training as every setting’s circumstances are different. Training could be for your:-
- headteacher
- deputy headteacher
- member of the SLT
- if not a senior leader, an appropriate member of staff, working with colleagues, who is empowered to develop and oversee your setting’s whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing
DfE: Senior mental health lead training
Self review tool
The Hertfordshire School CAMHS Link Managers have developed a whole school approach to improving mental health. The model takes account of national guidance and links to local resources and approaches. Schools ask us, "Are we doing enough?" The Self Review Tool enables schools to explore their contribution to 11 domains, identify strengths and areas for development. An action plan template is included and schools may wish to use their review and action plan as part of their application to the Healthy Young Minds in Herts School Accreditation. There is also the option to apply for Suicide Aware Schools status.
More than 400 Hertfordshire schools have a nominated mental health lead.
The whole school approach overview and self-review tool are all available to download from the mental health leads toolkit available at:
Healthy Young Minds in Hertfordshire (registration required)
Mental health leads toolkit
Anyone from a Hertfordshire school can register to access the Mental Health Leads Toolkit here: (to access the resources you will need to register and then be logged in.)
Healthy Young Minds in Hertfordshire: register for the toolkit
Access the mental health leads toolkit once registered:
For further information please contact hertsvalleysccg.schoolsmh@nhs.net
Strategic Leads for Mental Health in Schools staff wellbeing session - twice monthly and publicised on:
Healthy Young Minds in Hertfordshire: schools