This masterclass has been meticulously crafted to equip senior school staff and educators with the knowledge, strategies, and tools required to effectively assume the role of Senior Mental Health Leads in education. It aligns with the government’s increased focus on mental health and wellbeing in schools, emphasising the development of a whole-school approach to mental health.
In response to growing concerns about mental health among young people, the UK government has implemented several policies and initiatives aimed at supporting mental health in schools. Notably, the government’s commitment is reflected in its green paper on children and young people’s mental health, which highlights the critical role of schools in supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, the Department for Education (DfE) has set out clear guidance for schools, providing funding for training Senior Mental Health Leads as part of a broader strategy to ensure every school and college has a designated lead in mental health by 2025.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Understanding the Policy Context: An in-depth look at the government’s mental health strategy for schools, including key policies, legal frameworks, and funding opportunities for mental health provisions in education.
Role of the Senior Mental Health Lead: Clarification of the responsibilities and expectations for Senior Mental Health Leads, focusing on leadership within the school’s mental health strategy, staff training, and the development of a supportive school culture.
Implementing a Whole School Approach: Strategies for embedding mental health and wellbeing into every aspect of school life, ensuring an inclusive, supportive environment that recognises and responds to the diverse needs of all students.
Building Resilience and Promoting Wellbeing: Practical approaches to teaching mental health, resilience, and wellbeing, including curriculum integration, staff training, and student engagement.
Collaboration and Community Partnerships: Guidance on working with external mental health services, parents, and the wider community to support students’ mental health needs effectively.
Monitoring, Evaluating and Continuous Improvement: Tools and techniques for assessing the effectiveness of mental health strategies, interventions, and outcomes.
FACILITATOR
Kelly is a Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant, serving as the Director and founder of Mind Work Matters Ltd., with a focus on prioritising wellbeing and people in education. Renowned as an award-winning motivational speaker, author, and creator of the ‘Family Matters’ programme, Kelly’s expertise extends to advising on school improvement and cultivating healthy work cultures. Employing a systemic approach, she collaborates with various stakeholders, including local authorities, MATS, and pastoral teams, to promote healthy environments and provide expert training for Senior Mental Health Leads. Her strategies empower individuals in education to thrive amidst challenges, enhancing aspirations, engagement, attendance, and outcomes. Recently, Kelly has spearheaded the DFE Wellbeing for Education Return project and continues to lead education development processes, earning recognition from the DfE, NCB, The Anna Freud Centre, and The Education Support Partnership as a key influencer in mental health and wellbeing within education.
