What is mental health in schools?
Mental health in schools refers to the holistic promotion and support of emotional wellbeing among pupils at school. It involves creating a safe, nurturing atmosphere that addresses psychological needs, promotes resilience, and provides access to resources and interventions aimed at fostering positive mental health outcomes.
Why is it important?
Prioritising pupil's mental health is crucial as it directly impacts their wellbeing, academic success, and future prospects. By fostering a supportive environment and providing access to resources, schools enhance emotional resilience, reduce barriers to learning, and promote healthier social interactions, preparing children and young people for lifelong success.
The importance of prioritising wellbeing
Holistic development
Pupil wellbeing is integral to their holistic development. It affects their ability to concentrate, engage, and retain information. When students feel well, they are more curious, resilient, and capable of handling academic challenges. A school environment that promotes wellbeing helps develop well-rounded individuals prepared for life beyond school.
Emotional health
The importance of emotional health in schools can’t be overstated. Pupils with high levels of wellbeing are generally more confident and capable of building positive relationships with peers and teachers. Schools that create a safe space for emotional expression often see a reduction in bullying and other disruptive behaviours, fostering a more inclusive and supportive school community.
Academic performance and attendance
There is a strong correlation between student mental health, academic performance and attendance. When students are mentally and physically healthy, absenteeism decreases, and participation increases. This often leads to better grades and a higher quality of work. By addressing mental health in schools, you can indirectly enhance the learning outcomes for all pupils.
Long-term benefits
Prioritising student wellbeing has long-term benefits, equipping them with skills for better job prospects, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. It can also reduce future costs related to healthcare, social care, and the criminal justice system by equipping young people with the tools to lead productive lives.
Implementing Wellbeing Strategies School-wide
These principles encompass:
- Leadership and management that supports and champions efforts to promote emotional health and wellbeing.
- Curriculum teaching and learning to promote resilience and support social and emotional learning.
- Enabling student voice to influence decisions.
- Staff development to support their own wellbeing and that of students.
- Identifying need and monitoring impact of interventions.
- Working with parents and carers
- Targeted support and appropriate referral.
- An ethos and environment that promotes respect and values diversity.
How Thrive can support mental health in schools
Thrive is dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing in schools through comprehensive training and innovative tools. Our approach helps schools implement effective strategies that promote a nurturing environment conducive to the holistic development of every pupil.
Comprehensive training
Pupil Wellbeing Courses: Thrive offers foundational Pupil Wellbeing courses that provide essential knowledge in neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development. These courses equip educators with the understanding needed to support pupils' wellbeing and emotional health effectively.
Thrive Licensed Practitioner Courses: For those seeking a deeper exploration, our advanced Thrive Licensed Practitioner courses delve into the complexities of pupil behaviour and emotional wellbeing. These courses prepare practitioners to actively support and enhance the emotional wellbeing and resilience of the children they work with.
DfE-Assured Senior Mental Health Lead Course: Thrive provides a government-endorsed course designed for Senior Mental Health Leads in schools. This course is pivotal in helping schools embed the Department for Education's (DfE) eight key principles for mental health and wellbeing. Schools in England can benefit from a £1200 grant to cover the cost of this course, with an additional £400 available for other mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
Thrive-Online: An innovative assessment and action planning tool
Thrive-Online is a state-of-the-art software solution that supports schools in adopting a whole-school or college approach to mental health. This tool allows for precise assessment and tailored action planning, ensuring that support is both effective and timely. By using Thrive-Online, schools can monitor progress, adjust strategies as needed, and achieve measurable improvements in pupil wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teachers can support children's mental health by creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. They should recognise signs of distress early, offer positive reinforcement, and model healthy coping strategies. Collaborating with mental health professionals and maintaining open communication with parents ensures comprehensive support.
Additionally, integrating stress management techniques into the curriculum and promoting peer support initiatives equips students with essential skills for managing emotions and building resilience. Teachers should encourage pupils to seek help from trusted adults or wellbeing resources within the school community when needed.
If a teacher believes a child would benefit from more clinical treatment, they can refer the child to CAMHS, which offers access to trained mental health professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and family therapists. However, be aware that waiting times for CAMHS can be long. If timely help is not provided, a formal complaint can be made to the service provider or the commissioner.
To further enhance their ability to support student wellbeing, teachers can consider enrolling in one of our Pupil Wellbeing courses. These courses provide essential knowledge in neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development, empowering educators to effectively support pupils' emotional health.
In 2023, a survey by NHS England revealed that one in five children and young people in England, aged eight to 25, likely experienced a mental disorder. This included mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues, as assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Notably, rates of eating disorders also showed significant increases, particularly among 17 to 19-year-olds, affecting 12.5% of this age group compared to 0.8% in 2017.
These findings underscore the prevalence of mental health challenges among young people in educational settings, prompting initiatives like the deployment of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges to provide timely intervention for mild to moderate issues.
As more children face mental health challenges, there's a growing need for well-funded support systems within schools, including counselling and Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) for early intervention.
While schools can be a source of support, they also pose stress, particularly during exams. Integrating mental health services ensures timely access to resources, though financial constraints on schools and local authorities remain a barrier.
In addition to traditional counselling, Thrive offers a trauma-informed approach focusing on social and emotional needs. Grounded in neuroscience and attachment theory, it empowers educators to build supportive environments. Thrive emphasises early intervention and resilience-building, not diagnosis or therapeutic counselling for specific conditions, to enhance overall wellbeing in school communities.
Mental health problems in schools can stem from various factors. Key causes include bullying, abuse, and bereavement, which can lead to long-term anxiety and depression. Difficult home situations like divorce or familial conflicts, and major life transitions such as moving house or school, can also contribute to mental distress.
Additionally, substance abuse among teenagers and pre-existing mental health conditions like ADHD or autism increase the risk of developing mental health issues. Addressing these challenges through targeted support and training for school and college is crucial for fostering a supportive learning environment.