This is non-statutory, departmental advice from the Department for Education (DfE). Mental health problems affect many people, and most schools will have pupils who need mental health support. This advice aims to help schools to support pupils whose mental health problems manifest themselves in behaviour. Schools have an important role to play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children by developing whole school approaches tailored to their particular needs, as well as considering the needs of individual pupils. This advice:

• Sets out schools’ roles and responsibilities in relation to mental health and behaviour, within their existing duties;

• Outlines how schools can identify whether a child or young person’s behaviour –disruptive, withdrawn, anxious, depressed or otherwise – may be related to a mental health problem, and how to support them in these circumstances;

• Provides advice and guidance on working with other professionals and external agencies where appropriate; and

• Provides links to additional support available to schools, including frameworks, audit tools, evidence and resources.

Download a copy from this site here: Mental_health_and_behaviour_in_schools