Social, Emotional and Mental Health

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) is the area of health that includes the ability to express needs, wants and emotions in a positive way, manage anger and conflict and deal appropriately with frustrations. It involves practicing life skills, making responsible decisions, developing good character, following a plan to manage stress and being resilient during difficult times.

Examples of Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, which are listed in the SEND Code of Practice, include:

• Anxiety or depression
• Self-harming and substance misuse
• Eating disorders
• Attachment disorder
• Attention deficit disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD

How do we support this?

At Chawson First School we support children’s SEMH needs in a number of ways as they are a key component of children’s healthy development and critical in learning and meeting developmental milestones. 

High Quality Teaching

At Chawson First School we have a clear process in how we support children social-emotional difficulties in class, including how we manage the effect of any disruptive behaviour. All staff has had training on how to support SEMH in the classroom, for instance training on attachment.

All staff are equipped with resources to support SEMH, such as Zones of Regulation resources so children and staff can use visuals to support how children are feeling and regulate themselves in an appropriate way.

How can I support at home?

If you think your child might need help with their social, emotional and mental health needs at home you can support them in the following ways:

• Anxiety is contagious so try to be calm, consistent and highlight positives
• Providing warmth makes others feel secure and it is important to be understanding and reassuring
• Try to challenge anxious or negative thinking that the child may be having in a supportive coaching way. For instance by asking “What is your evidence for that?”, “will it always be like that?”, “Are there any other explanations?” and “What is the worst that could happen?”
• Using worry diaries at home consistently and at a set time
• Listening to relaxing music
• Attend an early help drop in session with Mrs Wood