Supporting the Social and Emotional Mental Health of Children in Schools

This training is for those who are working to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people. It is aimed at those who are working directly with students, whether they have prior training in Social Emotional Mental health or not.

It is appropriate for all school staff at Primary and Secondary schools. The focus is on reviewing and developing an understanding of theory as well as enhancing the techniques necessary to have effective one to one and small group relationships with children and young people. It is appropriate for those who are new to the SEMH agenda and  those who regularly have pastoral responsibilities.

Counselling approaches:

Participants will be invited to reflect upon their work and share their understanding of different approaches to supporting SEMH.  They will consider their own skills and areas of development in terms of their work with children. Participants will be encouraged to apply new thinking and counselling techniques relevant to their role with children and young people.

Participants will:

• Consider the range of factors which impact on a young persons behaviour and explore various approaches to working for change
• Understand stages of motivation and the impact this has on the child
• Know about and be able to describe effective ways of communicating with children, young people and their families
• Examine techniques and approaches for further emotional understanding and growth in children
• Consider the nature and purpose of counselling skills and to consider their place within the range of helping strategies available to participants in the work setting
• Develop an awareness of the various approaches in counselling, with specific reference to an education setting and experience some of these approaches
• Consider the underlying principles and practice of circle time and group work