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The DfE has allocated additional funding to train a second mental health lead in schools and colleges in England
The Department for Education (DfE) is accepting applications for funding grants of £1,200 for schools to pay for senior mental health lead training. The training will give senior leaders the skills, knowledge and guidance to provide targeted wellbeing and mental health support for those who need it. In a recent update, the DfE stated that if you had previously claimed a grant and your lead has since left, you can apply to claim another grant to train a second lead.
State-funded schools that are in receipt of the following are eligible to apply:
ESFA pre-16 revenue
high needs block
16 to 19 programme funding
Schools can apply for funding if they have a senior leader available to undertake the training and are in a position to implement a whole school initiative to develop wellbeing provision for pupils in the above categories. The selected senior leader must be available to start the training ahead of 31st March 2024. This would enable a whole school plan to be trialled across the summer term and then implemented fully from September 2024.
The funding can be used to provide wellbeing and mental health support for pupils at greater risk of developing or experiencing mental health conditions, such as:
pupils with additional needs
disadvantaged pupils
looked after children and previously looked after children
young carers
pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds
pupils who have experienced trauma
pupils who have a social worker
The senior mental health lead could work closely with SENDCOs, pastoral leads and emotional literacy support assistants to plan and implement targeted support for pupils in these vulnerable groups.
The training will enable the lead to correctly signpost and/or access support from local agencies in the mental health and wellbeing sector and select effective support based on individual needs.
The guidance advocates for a whole school approach and shift in culture around practice and policy regarding supporting the mental health of pupils and staff alike. The guidance outlines the expected learning intentions and outcomes of the senior mental health lead training and states this will provide the lead with the tools for ‘positive whole school or college change.’
The training will empower leaders to promote the wellbeing and mental health of staff and give them the knowledge and skills to improve policy and practice around staff wellbeing. They will learn about holistic approaches which will enable them to support staff to look after their own wellbeing. For example, evidence-based approaches to build mental health and resilience such as trauma-informed practice, counselling and mindfulness.
Schools can apply for funding via the DfE applications page and find further guidance on eligibility and the application process.
We would love to hear how you support the mental health and wellbeing of your staff and students. Tweet us @TwinklDigest and include the hashtag #StressAwarenessWeek2023.
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