Government funded Senior Mental Health Lead training

20 February 2025

A pioneering programme to support mental health in schools is reaching a conclusion as its Department for Education funding comes to an end.

As an accredited provider on the department’s Senior Mental Health Lead training framework, nurtureuk trained school leaders and practitioners over the full length of the funded programme, which supported schools in England to access quality-assured training. 

This intensive training programme equipped educators with the expertise and skills needed to champion mental health and wellbeing within their educational settings by creating a more nurturing school, or by developing use of the Boxall Profile® Online assessment tool in their schools. 

"This programme represents a significant investment in the mental health of our young people," said Tom Ryan, Director of Products and Services at nurtureuk.

"Senior Mental Health Leads who’ve completed our training are equipped to drive positive change and create a lasting impact on the wellbeing of their school communities."

While this funded programme is now at an end, nurtureuk remains committed to supporting schools in prioritising the wellbeing of their pupils. Our products and services are designed to support schools in creating healthy environments where pupils can succeed, feel engaged and want to be in school. 

In a classroom setting, a young girl listens as her teacher instructs the class.

Why do schools need mental health support?

Children are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing like never before, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. We've seen a huge impact on children and young people's social, emotional and mental health needs. Plus, teachers have reported an increase in anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, and school refusing.

Mental health training in schools, along with a whole-school nurture approach, is effective in supporting children back into school and establishing safe spaces.