Mental Health and Pastoral Leads
Every Hertfordshire school is asked to nominate a Mental Health Lead (MHL) and where possible a Deputy Lead (DMHL), who will be a key point of contact for emotional wellbeing/ mental health in the school, and a key link with external provision/whole school models. The MHL/DMHL role description can be read below.
All Mental Health Lead guidance and resources can be accessed via a login to the Healthy Young Minds in Herts website. MHLs can find the Level 1 and 2 training slides, the toolkit and advice on supporting a range of mental health issues.
Senior Mental Health Lead training
The Department for Education (DfE) is offering a grant of £1,200 for eligible state-funded schools and colleges in England to train a senior mental health lead to develop and implement a whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing. This training is not compulsory, but it is part of the government’s commitment to offer this training to all eligible schools and colleges by 2025.
Primary and Secondary MHL and Pastoral Lead Training and Networks
These networks provide useful opportunities to hear updates from local services. The primary network meets termly online. The secondary network meetings are TBC.
Dates for 2024-25
| Primary network |
Autumn term: Tuesday 5th November 2024, 9.30am – 11.00am Spring term: Tuesday 25th February 2025, 9.30am – 11.00am Summer term: Tuesday 10th June 2025 9.30am – 11.00am |
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| Secondary network |
Autumn term: TBC Spring Term: TBC Summer term: TBC |
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Mental Health Kitemark
A new, whole school approach to mental health and emotional wellbeing
The new accreditation process has been co-designed with colleagues in education, Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services, health, social care, and speaks a language that schools are familiar with, while complementing the work that already happens. With this in mind, the areas schools will now consider are aligned with the Department for Education’s guide to ‘Promoting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing.’ Click here for further information.