Advanced Mental Health Lead (Online Self-study) for SEMH settings and Alternative Provisions (SMHL008)

A pre-recorded Advanced Mental Health Lead training course for social, emotional and mental health, and alternative provision settings with examples specifically aimed at these settings.

Leading to a Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health Aware Leadership (Educational Leader) in addition to accreditation as an Advanced Mental Health Lead.

DfE Course title: Advanced Designated Mental Health Lead

DfE Course Code: SMHL008

How does self-study work?

Through this website you will be able to view pre-recorded trainer videos. Modules are split into 10-15 minute videos so that you can work through them with a cuppa at your own pace. You are able to download the digital materials through the website and work through the handbook as you watch the videos and complete the activities set by the trainer.

After each module you will be given questions to answer in your portfolio. These are reflective questions designed to get you to think about how you are or could (if it is not possible right now) put the learning into practice.

What support will I get?

You are able to contact us at any time by phone or email to discuss content, ask questions. You are also entitled to two complimentary mentoring sessions to help you overcome any barriers you have with embedding the learning. Participants are also invited to half termly online portfolio Q&A support sessions.

Participants are also able to access continuing for a year after starting the course to help embed their strategy through complimentary membership to the Network. This support includes access to a helpline, CPD, events such as our annual conference, a forum and online networking events.

About the specialist course contents

This course has been recorded using examples and discussion based on experience from working in specialist settings and alternative provision. The content is the same as for mainstream however the context is very different for both staff and pupil wellbeing.

The course itself starts with a module discussing the essence of the full role (as determined by the Department for Education), before moving onto an in-depth module on ethos and culture. This reflection on whole-setting aspirations forms the context of the rest of the course, as learners reflect on their leadership and management approaches, engagement with pupils, parents, carers, the community and the staff body. The final part focuses on reflecting on available local mental health services for both staff and pupils, in addition to a module on building mental health and wellbeing into the curriculum.

Online learners self-study 10-15 minute videos to work through the contents. They are set reflective and self-study activities by the tutor to facilitate the learning and are expected to work through these as they complete the modules.

Modules:

  • Understanding the Role
  • Ethos and Culture
  • Leadership and Management
  • Pupil Voice
  • Parents, Carers and Community
  • Staff Support and Development
  • Mental Health Interventions
  • Targeted Approach
  • Curriculum, teaching and learning

Portfolio

As learners work through the course, at the end of each module they are set activities to support the embedding of the learning to their work. In addition, learners are expected to complete some self-study of a topic relevant to them or their setting.

Learners reflect on the activities in their portfolio, by responding to the questions in there. Guidance is available on the expectations on the response to each. These need to be returned within 5 months of the course start.

Course Information

Estimated Time: Online pre-recorded and portfolio

Difficulty: Senior

Grant process

The DfE grant process:

  • Apply for your place on a course
  • We confirm your place
  • Apply for the grant
  • We give you a code to claim your grant and invoice you
  • You claim for the grant money
  • You access the training

Course Instructor

Richard Curtis Richard Curtis Trainer

Richard Curtis is the Project Lead for the National Network of Mental Health Leads and the author of the training courses. His background is in mental health nursing, primary teaching, alternative provision and local authority. He is Chair of both the National Special Educational Needs and Disability Awards, and the UK’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards.

Course preparation

All course materials are delivered digitally. This means you will need to bring a device or download the materials before coming on the course.

Precourse you are required to complete a personal skills audit and also a setting audit. These are both available online through mentalhealthlead.com. If a colleague is also completing a course with us, then complete the setting audit in tandem.

Specialist SEMH/AP Course Registration

£800

You will be invoiced £800 plus VAT (this can be recouped from the £1200 DfE Mental Health Lead Training Grant).

Precourse

Course

Support

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