Social, emotional and mental health difficulties

You can expect the teacher within the classroom to make changes to meet needs for every child or young person.

For example:

  • using strategies to help regulate emotion. Such as distraction, praise, offering and providing opportunities for the child or young person to make choices
  • providing access to safe or quiet areas
  • use of resources like fidget toys, blu-tac or ear defenders

At the universal level, children or young people may:

  • have trouble staying on task
  • seek frequent adult reassurance or support
  • have friendship or relationship difficulties
  • appear withdrawn or anxious

If difficulties continue over a period of time, or if the intensity or frequency increases, the teacher may put additional help in place or seek support from the SENCo. For example:

  • counselling
  • art therapy
  • relationship interventions
  • mentoring

Services such as the Supporting Families Team, Educational Psychology Service, School Nursing Service, counsellors, play therapists and CAMHS may offer advice and support.