Understanding SEMH (Social, Emotional, & Mental Health Needs) 

At North Star Academy Trust, our provision is for children with a primary need of Social, Emotional, & Mental Health (SEMH).   SEMH is a type of Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND). Children and young people with SEMH have severe difficulties in managing their emotions and behaviour. They often show inappropriate responses and feelings to situations. 

Challenges Faced by Children with SEMH in the school environment 

Children with SEMH often struggle to build and maintain important, trusting relationships. They may find it difficult to engage positively in the classroom, and large classrooms can be overwhelming, leading to disruptive behaviour as a fear response. Children with SEMH will often feel anxious, scared and misunderstood.  Recognising SEMH involves understanding the various factors contributing to a child’s needs and being sensitive to each child’s unique situation. 

Several factors may contribute to a child having SEMH, such as: 

• Experiencing a traumatic life event 

• Attachment difficulties 

• Anxiety 

• Mental illness 

• Being the subject of or witnessing abuse 

• Certain neurodevelopmental conditions affecting regulation, concentration, communication, and relationships

Identifying a child with SEMH can be challenging, but common behaviours include: 

• High levels of anxiety 

• Disruptive and anti-social behaviour 

• Regular displays of aggression and anger 

• Signs of depression and disconnection 

• Constant rejection of support and praise 

• Inappropriate and offensive language 

• Low self-esteem 

At North Star Academy Trust, we understand that building trust is crucial when supporting a child with SEMH. It can take time for a child to trust the staff and other professionals that are in place to support them in their classroom, and they may initially want to test boundaries to see if the support and positive regard remains consistent. This trust allows children to feel safe.  These are some of the steps that our teachers and learning support assistants take to engender greater levels of trust and feeling safe: 

• Being consistent: Maintaining a calm and collected manner in all interactions. 

• Emotional safety: Acknowledging and reflecting on the child’s feelings. 

• Co-regulation:  Responding in a calm and understanding way to help children learn how to manage their own emotions and responses. 

• Moderating enthusiasm: Avoiding overwhelming the child with excessive praise. 

• Reliability: Being dependable and explaining any absences. 

• Clear communication: Using calm and engaging language. 

• Patience: Understanding that building a relationship takes time. 

• Recognise triggers: Noting the things that upset the child. 

• Resilience: Staying committed despite challenges. 

Ongoing Support at home 

Supporting a child with SEMH is a journey with its challenges and rewards. As a parent or carer, this will involve an understanding of mental health needs and associated behaviours, which will help to make a significant difference in the child’s life. Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting their child’s SEMH needs. Here are some effective strategies: 

Create a Supportive Environment 

• Safe Space: Ensure your home is a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their emotions. 

• Open Communication: Practice active listening and encourage your child to share their feelings without fear of judgment.

Build Social Skills 

• Encourage Social Interaction: Organise playdates or involve your child in group activities to help them develop social skills. 

• Role-Playing: Use role-playing to practice social scenarios and teach appropriate responses 

Foster Emotional Intelligence 

• Emotion Labelling: Help your child identify and label their emotions. This can make it easier for them to understand and manage their feelings. 

• Coping Mechanisms: Teach your child coping strategies such as deep breathing, counting to ten, or engaging in a calming activity when they feel overwhelmed. 

Promote Mental Wellbeing 

• Consistent Routines: Establish regular routines to provide a sense of security and predictability. 

• Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep to support overall mental health. 

Build Trust and Resilience 

• Consistency: Be consistent in your actions and responses to build trust. 

• Patience: Understand that progress may be slow and require patience and resilience. 

By implementing these strategies, parents and carers can significantly support their child’s SEMH development, helping them to navigate challenges and build a strong foundation for their future well-being. 

Online Resources 

• Anna Freud Centre: Offers research-based resources, guidance, and toolkits for supporting children’s mental health www.annafreud.org  

• YoungMinds: Provides a wide range of resources for parents, including guidance on supporting  www.youngminds.org.uk  

• Mind: A mental health charity offering information and advice on various mental health conditions, including SEMH challenges www.mind.org.uk  

• Mentally Healthy Schools: Run by the Anna Freud Centre, this site offers practical resources to support children’s mental health and wellbeing. www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk  

Local and National Support 

• Place2Be: A UK-based charity providing therapeutic support and counselling for children dealing with SEMH issues www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk  

• The National Autistic Society (NAS): Offers resources on emotional regulation and social interactions, particularly for children on the autism spectrum www.autism.org.uk  

• ADHD UK: A charity set up to help people navigate their life with ADHD, build awareness, and undertake or fund research that will have a meaningful positive impact on those with ADHD.  www.adhduk.co.uk  

These resources can offer valuable support and guidance for parents navigating the challenges of SEMH. If you need more specific information or have any questions, feel free to ask!