With new statutory guidance coming into force from September 2021 and two academic years that have been significantly impacted by Covid-19 behind us, now is a good time to review safeguarding structures that we have in place to recognise, respond to and support children who are experiencing mental health issues.

Mental health falls under the umbrella of safeguarding in different ways – as a safeguarding issue in itself, as a possible sign of abuse or exploitation and as a key consideration in the development of your culture of safeguarding. In this session we will look at where mental health fits into the wider picture of safeguarding in schools, what the guidance says (and what this means!) and lots of practical tips, strategies and ideas to support mental health and safeguarding provision across your school or college.