Mental health and emotional wellbeing advice for schools

In Cumberland we have a 'whole system model' to ensure that all children and young people can access the support they need to achieve emotional wellbeing and mental health.  The role of schools in Cumberland is essential and central to this approach.

Increasingly schools are broadening their role by helping to tackle the mental health problems of pupils experiencing difficulties of a more serious nature.  Guidance and advice for schools in relation to both the promotion and support areas of their practice has grown in recent years, alongside extensive research undertaken in both fields of education and health care.

Evidence-based frameworks

The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families provides a five step framework to help schools take a considered approach to the mental health needs of pupils and staff, the importance of leadership, and the role of the community. 

5 Steps to Mental Health and Wellbeing (annafreud.org)

The National Children's Bureau framework is a very practical framework written by Professor Katherine Weare draws on extensive research, setting out a series of principles, designed to support school leaders and their staff to deliver well designed and implemented interventions and approaches, drawing on the latest evidence. 

National Children's Bureau framework (ncb.org)

Mental health and behaviour in schools

This non-statutory advice clarifies the responsibility of the school, outlines what they can do and how to support a child or young person whose behaviour (whether disruptive, withdrawn, anxious, depressed or otherwise may be related to an unmet mental health need).

Department of Education's guidance on mental health and behaviour in schools (GOV.UK)

Special educational needs and disability code of practice

Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities

SEND code of practice (GOV.UK)

Learning programmes for people working in education settings

The site provides information and advice for staff on children and young people's mental health and can sign posts to targeted resources when mental health problems have been identified.

Learning programmes and advice for school staff (minded.org)

E-school nurse

The video clinics are available for professional, parents and carers across the whole of Cumbria all day Tuesday and Thursdays.

Instead of being face to face, you will talk to the nurse over a live video link that is private and secure.

E-School nurse video clinics (NHS)