Intermediate Certificate in the Role of the Mental Health Lead

Course Duration: 5h 6m (approx) online training + self-directed learning and activities + final assessment

DfE Assured Course Code: SMHL111

This course is for learners with:

at least 2 years’ experience leading mental health or pastoral support in schools
a good understand and practical experience of writing strategic action plans

Please note the course will expect learners to be comfortable writing strategic action plans. If you are new to the role or wish to learn how to develop an action from the very start, please refer to our ‘Certificate in the Role of the Senior Mental Health Lead (2021-22)’ course

Senior mental health leads 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 experienced senior mental health leads with a more in-depth understanding of their role in creating change, monitoring impact and understanding the values and their influence in the transformation and change process.

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.

Course features and benefits:

One to one expert coaching and guidance through tailored support and feedback
Group session coaching with dedicated mental health and wellbeing expert
Peer to peer networking through private group only available to course attendees
Activities and reflection questions throughout

*Please note that all learners must submit their complete strategic action plan to us in order to receive their certificate and evidence of course completion*

The course has been designed in line with the following policies:

Learning outcomes for senior mental health leads in schools and colleges 2021
Promoting children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing 2021
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021
Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice 2015
Equality Act 2010

Learning outcomes

Developing a greater understanding of how the role the senior mental health lead can create change, monitor impact and influence the transformation process.
Recognising the additional responsibilities of the senior lead for mental health and how to identify needs and monitor the impact of any interventions.
Gaining a more in-depth understanding of epistemic trust, theory of change, the power of middle leadership, developing a pastoral team and resilience development.
Building a more detailed understanding of assessments and how to measure wellbeing at both school-wide level and in a pupil-specific way, particularly for the most vulnerable.
Recognising how to work with parents, families and carers, overcoming common challenges and supporting social and emotional learning through the curriculum.

Course Units

Introduction

Module 1: Mental health and the education context

This module will look at where you are in your journey, what we mean by mental health and what this looks like in the education context. We will also discuss what is meant by a ‘whole school approach’ and what this means in practice.

Module 2: Leadership and management

In this module, we will explore your role in more depth and how you can lead change. We will also understand the role of the governor for mental health and how to build a powerful coalition.

Module 3: Creating an ethos and environment

In this module, we will discuss how to develop a vision for your school, building psychological safety and epistemic trust, key links between wellbeing and attainment and empowering pupils from marginalised groups.

Module 4: Identifying need and monitoring impact

This module will look at the how to identify needs using the most appropriate tools, taking a strategic approach to pastoral support and understanding formulation, the benefits to pupils and managing risk.

Module 5: Targeted support and appropriate referrals

In this module, we will discuss the importance of partnerships and understanding thresholds, as well as working with external mental health professionals.

Module 6: Curriculum teaching and learning

This module will explore PSHE and RSHE statutory expectations, why PSHE is a unique subject with unique outcomes and discuss emotional literacy and emotion coaching.

Module 7: Enabling student voice

In this module, we will explore the role of children in influencing school, how to build resilience and putting a team together which support inclusivity for all pupils.

Module 8: Staff development

This module focus on the development of school staff, identifying critical training and ensuring that all staff can recognise and understand the process to respond to mental health concerns.

Module 9: Parents, families and carers

In this module, we will explore how to engage with parents and carers effectively and overcome obstacles to promote the best outcomes for pupil mental health.

Module 10: Your school your way

In this module, we will look at pulling together research, reading and learning for the benefit of your school community, what your vision and change process may look like and how to implement sustainable change.

About The Expert

Anna Bateman

Subject matter expert on mental health & wellbeing, who works in an advisory role for the DfE.

Find out more

Intermediate Certificate in the Role of the Senior Mental Health Lead (2022-23)

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