New guidance published today by the government will help teachers better identify underlying mental health problems in young people – meaning fewer pupils will wrongly be labelled trouble-makers.

Education Minister Elizabeth Truss said it would help ensure pupils with unmet mental health needs will get the help they need at an earlier stage. A 2012 Centre for Mental Health report estimates around 15% of pupils aged 5 to 16 have mental health problems that put them at increased risk of developing more serious issues in the future.

At the same time, it will enable teachers to be more confident in spotting those children who are simply behaving badly, and do not have a mental health issue.

The guidance, created by the Department for Education in consultation with headteachers, mental health professors and the Department of Health, is designed to ensure teachers are confident in finding help for at-risk pupils.

The guidance outlines to schools that they could use pupil questionnaires, teacher training toolkits and mental health factsheets to help identify potential issues. This means problems can be tackled before they become more serious, as well as helping schools know when to refer pupils to mental health experts, such as the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

The guidance also outlines what schools can do to provide a stable environment for their pupils. This includes:

• clear bullying and behaviour policies
• working with parents and carers as well as pupils
• introducing peer mentoring systems
• discussing mental health issues as part of the wider curriculum

Education Minister Elizabeth Truss said:

At the moment too many young people are unfairly labelled as trouble-makers when in fact they have unmet mental health problems.

Good mental health among pupils is fundamental to their wellbeing and success. We know schools want clear guidelines on how best to separate poor behaviour from underlying mental health issues.

Teachers are not therapists but they play a vital role in the lives of their pupils. A healthier, happier classroom allows teachers to get on with what they do so well – teaching and inspiring the next generation.

She added:

Teachers know their pupils and have real influence – but at the same time they understandably sometimes feel uncertain about what exactly they should do, or when to act.

Teachers who know how and when to help can make all the difference for children with mental health problems.

Examples of schools that currently handle their pupils’ mental health well include:

• St Marylebone C of E School, in Westminster, London, where teachers use its curriculum to promote well-being. Pupils learn that mental health is as important as physical health, and that relaxation and contemplation can foster positive mental health

• Hardenhuish School, an academy in Chippenham, Wiltshire, uses pastoral managers to support pupils before, during and after their involvement with CAMHS. They also have peer mentoring system between their 17-year-old and 15-year-old pupils

 View the ‘Mental health and behaviour in schools’ guidance.

1. According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, 9.8% of children and young people aged 5 to 16 have a clinically diagnosed mental disorder. A 2012 Centre for Mental Health report estimates a further 15% have less severe problems that put them at increased risk of developing mental health problems in the future.
2. 2013 NICE guidance identifies pupils that have a conduct disorder as often having underlying mental health problems.