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Updated:
April 5, 2024
Written By:
Liz Robson
Developing whole school wellbeing is confusing and can feel overwhelming for many Senior Mental Health Leads, especially those who are new to the role. There can be a lack of consistency and clarity around what to do and how to do it – this can result in over-delivery in one area, for example, pupil social awareness, and a lack in others e.g., staff development and awareness.
Worth-it are delighted and proud to announce that our Wellbeing Club has been quality assured by the Department for Education as training provided for Senior Mental Health Leads.
Our approach to working with schools and colleges recognises the complexities of each aspect or element involved in developing mental health and wellbeing. We apply a systems approach to supporting schools and colleges develop wellbeing and positive mental health.
This has been created from the government recommended 8 principles and integrated with applied positive psychology strategies, proven to develop the wellbeing and protect the mental health of children and young people.
Why do we use a systems approach? In a system there are interconnections between each element: it is important to understand how they interact with each other and as a whole. Using this approach within a school or college means there's no wrong place to start.
It is also efficient and effective, changing a few things in one area can have a big effect to the wellbeing of the whole system and everyone in it.
Joining Wellbeing Club helps Mental Health and Wellbeing Leads learn HOW to develop a whole-school approach. This approach helps you move beyond just learning what you should be doing and feel confident to actually put your plans into action. This means you can make a big difference to all your pupils, staff and the whole school community. See this example of a school that applied this approach.
Wellbeing Club membership for 12 months access to on-demand, training resources and support so you can jump straight in to developing your school's approach to mental health and wellbeing.
We specialise in helping with the HOW, providing you with lots of practical tools, information, resources and support to make wellbeing part of core business in your school.
When you join Wellbeing Club you can access:
Schools and colleges are now being encouraged, by the DfE, to BOOK courses. The funding is NOW OPEN. You can apply for your SMHL course grant funding here. Providing you meet eligibility criteria stipulated by the DfE) you will be guaranteed the ability to claim back £1,200 to cover the costs of the course and support the lead.
The DfE allocated funding to over 8000 schools between September, 21 and January, 22. They have recently opened up a second and third round of ten million pounds of funding for another third of schools or colleges that want to start their SMHL training before March 2025.
You will need to apply for the grant and gain confirmation that you have been approved to have a grant. Then if you know which course you would like to do and it is on the approved quality assured list feel confident to go ahead and book. You can now confirm your eligibility and reserve a grant for the 24-25 financial year by completing this form, and then proceed to book your place on our Wellbeing Club. Join our FREE funding information session to find out even more.
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Only state schools in England will be eligible to access the DfE funding: it will not apply to independent schools.
Your school must also have made a commitment to prioritising mental health and developing a whole school approach.
You must have identified a member of staff who will be your Senior Mental Health Lead although they can be new in post. You may need to develop a job description for a SMHL to clarify the responsibilities and duties a SMHL will undertake.
Also consider when making your application that only School Mental Health leads who are SLT, or Mental Health Leads who work closely with SLT to develop and influence whole school wellbeing and mental health at a strategic level, will be eligible to get their place on a course funded by the DfE grant.
Find out more about the DfE grant SMHL grant funding eligibility criteria.
Senior Mental Health Leads are now able to book their chosen course directly with the relevant training provider. You may be struggling to choose the right SMHL course for you, you will be unable to claim the grant funding without choosing and booking your SMHL course or programme.
You will have needed to have chosen and booked your course in order to claim back your funding. If you need help choosing a course you may find this SMHL course selection video helpful. This will help you navigate the courses available on the DfE quality assured list and select the one that most closely meets your needs. Obviously, we would like you to choose our Wellbeing Club, here is where to find out more.
To claim the grant funding you will need to complete a second stage grant form to make the claim and when requested from the DfE submit your evidence of course booking and your course code our course for beginner SMHL's is SMHL033.
biggerOnce this is received the DfE will pay you the funding either directly to your school or via the local authority. Join our FREE funding information session to find out more about the funding process.
Want to learn more about our approach to developing school wellbeing access our Introduction to Whole School Wellbeing Webinar.
That is fantastic, we can't wait for you to join us in our supportive and helpful Wellbeing Club.
Click here find out more. We hope you can join us soon!
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