Evidence (1) suggests the best way to support good mental health in schools is by Health and Education working together to improve outcomes for all children and young people.

In 2017 the DfE (Department for Education) announced that by 2025 all UK schools will have a Lead Person for Mental Health. This together with the roll out of Mental Health Support Teams (MHST's) across the country is part of the government response to the increasing demand for mental health services for children and young people. More information can be found here. 

Practical advice for schools on health and education working together.

School policy

• Develop a Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy.
• Use the skills and expertise of your School Nurse to help inform policy and practice around medical and mental health needs in school.

Working with other professionals

• Develop links with your local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) . Knowing their skills and expertise will help to define appropriate expectations.
• Invite health professionals to education led reviews. Follow these up with minutes that identify actions and responsibilities.
• Attend health led reviews. Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings for students currently receiving treatment from CAMHS are a good place to ask questions about returning to school after an inpatient stay or to discuss risk management if a student is struggling to manage in school.
• Use the Educational Psychology Service to help find tools and resources for gathering information on a child or young person’s needs. The Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire is one tool the may use to help gather information on a students strengths and needs. 

School protocols

• Keep evidence of symptoms or behaviour that are causing concerns. Record information about time, place and duration of symptoms. This information is useful when making a referral to specialist services.
• Record information on how a child’s difficulties are interfering with their day-to-day life and school progress. You will need this when making a referral to other services.
• Consider if a child’s safety might be compromised by their mental health difficulties and follow your school’s safeguarding procedures.

Supporting families

• Find out if children and young people are facing challenges at home or away from school that might be contributing to their difficulties.
• Help support families who are involved in treatment plans for students. (Family therapy, supporting meal plans for young people with eating disorders, CBT)