Sign up for training by local specialists and become a qualified Senior Mental Health Lead We are leading a national consortium to support local delivery of Department for Education funded Designated Mental Health Lead training and have DfE approval for these courses to be funded by the Mental Health Lead training grant. The consortium, which is backed by the British Psychological Society, the Society of Occupational Medicine and also Open Awards, has local members with local knowledge delivering the training. Eligible schools and colleges in England can apply for a DfE grant of £1200, which covers the cost of the training and qualification, plus a contribution towards cover costs. Schools and colleges can buy additional places on the courses. There are three levels of training available from the National Network of Mental Health Leads:

• Introduction to the role of Mental Health Lead (one-day or online) – an understanding the key requirements of the role, also suitable for assistant mental health leads.
• Mental Health Lead Intermediate Course (2 days or online) – an introduction to the full role and some of the ways that this could work in practice.
• Mental Health Lead Course (3 days or online) – for established mental health leads taking them to the next level and extending their skills. There are four versions of this course; middle leaders, National Educational Leaders in Mental Health (for senior leadership teams), a pathway for special schools specialising in learning difficulties and finally a pathway for settings supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

In addition we also have non-grant funded one-day courses for designated Governors and Assistant or Deputy Mental Health Leads.

National Educational Leaders in Mental Health – a version of the Advanced Mental Health Lead course for Headteachers, Senior Leaders and senior Trust staff

£800, DfE grant approved, book your place now (schools/colleges can pay for additional places) The pathway for Headteachers, Deputies and other senior leaders who are also undertaking the role of Designated Mental Health Lead and want to make the impact in their setting as well as in the community, pupil’s lives and potentially other schools or colleges. Delivered by local providers, such as local authorities, or online, this three-day training in-depth coverage and discussion of the multiple facets of what is a complex topic in your setting. It covers the requirements for the mental health lead training, but applies it broader to your ethos, culture and staff wellbeing, in addition to pupil mental health. Participants need to complete some self-study and keep a portfolio to gain evidence meeting the requirements of a lead and become certified. Delivered by local providers, such as local authorities, or online, this three-day training in-depth coverage and discussion of the multiple facets of what is a complex role. It covers the requirements for the mental health lead training, but applies it broader to your ethos, culture and staff wellbeing, in addition to pupil mental health. Participants completing this will also earn a Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health Aware Leadership (Education) and a certificate of meeting the requirements of the role.

Advanced Designated Mental Health Lead

£800, DfE grant approved, book your place now (schools/colleges can pay for additional places) This pathway is for experienced Mental Health Leads who sit outside the senior leadership positions and are already in role. Delivered by local providers, such as local authorities, or online, this three-day training in-depth coverage and discussion of the multiple facets of what is a complex role. It covers the requirements for the mental health lead training, but applies it broader to your ethos, culture and staff wellbeing, in addition to pupil mental health. Available locally or available online, advanced training covers the full DfE specification for the role and lasts three days and involves some self-study and keeping a portfolio to gain evidence meeting the requirements of a lead and become certified. Participants completing this will also earn a Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health Aware Leadership. We also have a self-study route for both pathways, where leads can access online modules and select the ones most suitable to their needs.

Intermediate Mental Health Lead

£595, DfE grant approved, book your place now (schools/colleges can pay for additional places) This two-day course is suitable for those with some experience of the role of Senior Mental Health Lead and want to explore the full scope of the DfE defined role.

Introduction to the Role of Mental Health Lead

£295, DfE grant approved, book your place now (schools/colleges can pay for additional places) This one-day pathway is suitable for those wanting to get to grips with the role and understand what it entails. Participants submit their own action plan of next steps to gain an attendance certificate.

Assistant Mental Health Lead courses

This one-day course helps prepare a member of staff for their role in assisting the Designated Mental Health Lead.

Designated Governor for Mental Health and Wellbeing courses

This 3-hour course helps Governors understand the setting requirements, to support them in monitoring the mental health and wellbeing provision for pupils and staff in schools or colleges.

Grant process

The process for grant funding:

Apply for your place on a course

Apply for the grant

We give you a code to claim your grant and invoice you

You claim for the grant money

You attend the training

See http://mentalhealthlead.com/Stagging/dfe-grant-process/ for more information. No course in your area? Please complete the below form to let us know you are interested. 

First Name * Last Name * Setting * Email * City/town * Post Code * Role type * Academy trust staffExecutive headHeadDeputySenior leaderMiddle leaderNo management role I am also the… SENDCO/inclusion lead Designated Safeguarding Lead Type of setting Please select all that apply. Primary Secondary Further Education Alternative Provision Special Academy Trust Staff Register interest