Mental Health in Schools Working Group
Overview
The group was set up to support the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting positive mental health in children and young people in school.
The Scottish Government’s and COSLA’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023 sets out a collective vision of ‘A Scotland, free from stigma and inequality, where everyone fulfils their right to achieve the best mental health and wellbeing possible.’
The group is chaired by the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES). Membership of the group is made up of representatives from Scottish Government, Education Scotland, Health Scotland, COSLA, local authorities, teaching unions, the Association of Scottish Principal Educational Psychologists (ASPEP) and key third sector organisations with expertise in this area.
The strategy is supported by a Mental Health and Wellbeing Delivery Plan 2023-2025, which includes actions on the delivery of:
- Creating Hope Together
- Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy
- Self-Harm Strategy and Action Plan
A Mental Health Workforce action plan has also been published. These plans are time-limited and will be subject to refresh.
Objectives
The Group will:
- review and act on findings related to children and young people’s mental health, including data from the Health and Wellbeing Census and Behaviour in Scottish Schools, and share insights with the Joint Strategic Board
- evaluate the impact of mental health support in education settings, addressing barriers and gaps, and supporting suicide prevention efforts
- collaborate with the Joint Strategic Board and mental health governance to ensure proposed education initiatives are appropriate and achievable
- promote and support the implementation of Scottish education resources, including the Whole School Approach framework and related professional learning tools
Members
The group will be chaired by the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES).
Membership will include:
- Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) (Chair)
- Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland (CCPS)
- Children in Scotland (CIS)
- Education Scotland
- Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
- Association of Scottish Principal Educational Psychologists (ASPEP)
- NHS Education Scotland
- School Leaders Scotland (SLS)
- Association of Headteachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS)
- Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)
- National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT)
- UNISON
- Connect
- Support and Wellbeing Unit, Scottish Government
- Mental Health Directorate, Scottish Government
Publications
Mental Health in Schools Working Group: terms of reference