{"id":38390,"date":"2019-05-16T08:12:02","date_gmt":"2019-05-16T07:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=38390"},"modified":"2025-08-14T10:52:58","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T09:52:58","slug":"school-mental-health-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/school-mental-health-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a School Mental Health Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Statistics tell us that three in four mental illnesses start in childhood<\/strong>. This means that, if you work in a school, you are likely to spend a lot of time with children who are struggling with their mental health.<\/p>\n

A school mental health policy is a document that explains the school\u2019s commitment to its students\u2019 mental health. It outlines how the school will support its students, its ongoing commitment to staff training, and how it will work with the wider community to promote student wellbeing. We’ve included an example policy at the end of the article<\/a> to help you develop your own.<\/p>\n

\"Students<\/p>\n

\n

Why Do We Need a School Mental Health Policy?<\/h2>\n

Many mental health problems begin at a young age. Young Minds charity report that one in five young adults<\/strong>, and one in ten children<\/strong>, have a diagnosable mental health disorder. That translates to roughly three children in every classroom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Mental health issues can affect a student\u2019s emotional wellbeing as well as their educational attainment. The school environment has multiple pressures that can provide a catalyst for mental health issues, including the pressure of exams and deadlines as well as the desire to make friendships and maintain them. Keeping Children Safe in Education<\/a> states that staff should also be aware that mental health problems can, in some cases, be an indicator that a child has experienced or is experiencing maltreatment.<\/p>\n

As such, addressing mental health in schools is essential <\/strong>and developing a school mental health policy is a key starting point in this. This policy should address student mental health and show both students and their parents that the school is committed to the wellbeing of its students. Additionally, it signals to students that the school is understanding of mental health issues and encourages them to come forward with their difficulties.<\/p>\n

A mentally healthy school is one that has a whole-school approach to the topic of mental health and sees the mental health of its students, staff, and parents as everybody\u2019s responsibility. Developing a school mental health policy is an essential part of achieving this and an important step towards making a positive change in your school<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"expert<\/div>\n

Need a Course?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Our Child Mental Health Training<\/a> explains some of the common emotional, behavioural and hyperkinesis disorders, how you can identify and support a child who may be struggling, and how to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What to Include in Your Mental Health Policy<\/h2>\n

Your school mental health policy should include the following sections:<\/p>\n