Certificate in the Role of the Senior Mental Health Lead for Early Years Providers (2021-22)

Course Duration: 2h (approx) online training + self-directed learning and activities + final assessment.

Senior mental health leads in the early years’ settings should have the knowledge, practical skills and tools to be able to plan for and effect positive whole school or college change. They are pivotal in supporting schools to implement and sustain an effective whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.

This course provides senior mental health leads with a clear understanding of their role and supports them to develop a clear vision and strategic plan which effects change, helps enhance pupil outcomes and delivers greater emotional and physical wellbeing for all stakeholders.

Delivered by Anna Bateman, mental health and wellbeing expert who works in an advisory role for the DfE. The course has been split into bite-sized modules and will be delivered through a blend of high-quality remote video CPD and self-directed learning.

Please note: The course consists of learning through video, task completion and further reading/research. Please consider this when planning and allocating your time. To successfully understand and achieve the objectives from the course, learners are expected to engage in all aspects of the learning process and complete all relevant activities to ensure they can successfully apply the knowledge and skills they have gained in their own setting.

Designed in line with the following policies:

• Promoting children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing 2021
• Learning outcomes for senior mental health leads in schools and colleges 2021
• Mental health and behaviour in schools 2018
• Equalities Act 2010

Learning objectives

• Understanding how to develop a strategic action plan to implement change which supports positive mental health and wellbeing for staff, pupils and parents.
• Recognising the key responsibilities of the senior lead for mental health and how to identify needs and monitor the impact of any interventions.
• Understanding how to ensure children and young people can get targeted support and the importance of supporting their own wellbeing as well as that of staff and pupils.
• Realising the knowledge and skills to be able to create a positive ethos in relation to mental health and ensuring the voice of every learner is heard and valued, and influences decisions.
• Recognising how to work with parents, families and carers and promoting resilience and supporting social and emotional learning through the curriculum.