Procedure for Handling Students with a Mental Health Issue

This procedure outlines the steps that must be followed when supporting students presenting with mental health issues. The welfare of the student is the highest priority. This procedure is to be used alongside safeguarding and child protection policy.

Recognising Mental Health Concerns

• All staff and homestays should be vigilant in identifying changes in a student’s behaviour, mood, or presentation that may indicate emerging mental health issues.
• Staff and homestays must not attempt to diagnose a mental health condition but may observe and report concerns.
• Mental health issues may also be indicators of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Where this is suspected, the safeguarding policy must be followed immediately.

Responding to a Mental Health Concern

• Immediate risk: If the student is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, emergency services should be contacted straight away. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Ailie Fan – must be informed without delay.
• Non-emergency concern: Concerns should be reported promptly to the DSL, who will assess the situation and determine the next steps.
• Where a safeguarding concern is also present, staff must follow the safeguarding and child protection policy without delay.

Coordination with School and Guardians

• The guardianship organisation will liaise with the student’s school and parents to share concerns and ensure a collaborative response.
• If it is determined that the student should be removed from the school setting:
  • Student Removal Form should be sent to the school. Procedure for how to use Student Removal Form should be followed.
  • This form ensures the guardianship organisation has all relevant context and confirms that appropriate steps have been taken up to that point.

Support Following Removal from School

• Arrange safe accommodation (with appropriate homestay) upon receiving parental agreement.
• Monitor the student’s wellbeing closely.
• Facilitate access to professional support, ensuring that only qualified mental health professionals are involved in any assessment or treatment.
• Maintain regular communication with the student, family, and school to support reintegration or alternative planning.

External Support and Resources

• Staff should refer to Mental Health List for a list of external agencies and mental health services.
• The DSL or appropriate manager may contact these services for guidance and to refer the student for support if necessary.

Record-Keeping and Review

• All concerns, actions taken, and outcomes must be clearly documented in cases. Box ‘Safeguarding case’ must be ticked.
• Cases must be reviewed regularly by the DSL.

Review

This policy is reviewed annually taking into account any changes in legislation, practice or roles concerned throughout the year.