Overview

This training session equips school staff with the latest understanding of how to identify, respond to, and support mental health and wellbeing concerns in children and young people. Drawing on the most current UK government guidance, including the 2024 updates to mental health and behaviour policies, the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs), and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, this session offers a practical, safeguarding-led approach to early intervention.

Participants will explore how to embed a whole-school culture of mental wellbeing, understand the intersection between online harms and mental health, and build confidence in recognising key indicators such as changes in behaviour, engagement, and attendance. The session also addresses how persistent absenteeism may signal underlying mental health concerns and how to respond appropriately.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Identify early signs of mental health and emotional wellbeing concerns in children and young people.
• Understand how to apply a whole-school approach to mental health support, in line with current guidance.
• Recognise how online experiences may contribute to poor mental health and how to respond effectively.
• Know when and how to escalate concerns to safeguarding leads or external mental health professionals.
• Access tools and resources to support early intervention and promote positive wellbeing across the school community.