Mental health and behaviour in schools

This resource outlines the roles and responsibilities schools and colleges have in relation to mental health and behaviour. It explains how settings can identify if a student’s behaviour may be related to a mental health problem, and offers advice on how to support them.

The report provides guidance on working with external agencies where appropriate, and signposts to additional support and resources, including frameworks, audit tools and evidence.

This resource would be provide a strong reference point for mental health leads and senior leaders in a variety of education settings. It encourages adopting a whole school or college approach and offers guidance on how to embed this while considering the 8 principles.

Although this resource was first published in 2018, the Department for Education states that it is subjected to continuous review and updated as needed.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for:

• use by mental health leads working with students aged 5 to 19.

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes:

• Create a plan to develop, implement and sustain a whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing, tailored to their setting’s needs.
• Build stronger links with appropriate local services and feel empowered to take a role in shaping these.