Schools across Brighton & Hove are adopting techniques to identify pupils who are suffering from low self esteem.
 
More than 20 schools now use assessment tools rolled out across the city as part of the TaMHS (Targeted Mental Health in Schools) programme. Last year 12 primary and secondary schools in the city were involved in the initiative.  
 
Teachers in the city are being trained to identify pupils experiencing problems while a programme of other services, including consultation support from Primary Mental Health Workers, is being rolled out to help schools support those pupils.
 
The latest drive aims to equip schools with the knowledge to identify pupils experiencing emotional problems early on and take steps to support them.
 
Key school staff, including learning mentors, have been trained in methods of supporting children including the use of art, music and drama. The project has also trialled yoga as a way to teach children to relax and manage their feelings better.
 
The council is also offering a new programme for parents and their children to work together to improve emotional well-being and engage parents in the Family SEAL programme. The programme lasts eight weeks and uses sets of materials and teaching under the Government’s Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning programme.
 
Councillor  Vanessa Brown, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“Brighton & Hove is an innovator in this field and the results are fantastic.  Moving from a small primary school to a large secondary can be daunting so this programme is designed to minimise any problems and ensure our children thrive.

“What we are trying to do is embed these simple approaches so that every school in this city is equipped to identify pupils that are experiencing emotional difficulties and can be helped early on.”
 
Dan Wilson, Patcham School assistant head for personalised learning, said:
“TaMHS has helped us identify students with mental health issues. We have trialled group counselling so that the extra resources we receive benefit as many pupils as possible.

“What people don’t realise is that schools have been dealing with mental health for a long, long time but just have not called it mental health.”

For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk