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Emotional, mental health and wellbeing

Emotional health is one of the most significant barriers to the progress of vulnerable children.

All those working with children in care should make themselves aware of the physiological and psychological effects of early abuse, trauma and loss, on attachment and resilience. These are key factors in the way in which vulnerable children view peers and adults and influence their relationships with them.

A child's early development has a significant impact on a child's attachment needs which in turn impact on their ability to settle to learn in school. The Department of Education have recently published guidance on this subject.

Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on promoting the health and well-being of looked-after children

Zoe McLaughlin is the Social, Emotional and Mental Health Lead for the Virtual School team and is linked with the Future in Minds. Severn Teaching School Alliance in partnership with Telford and Wrekin Council and Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are continuing Future in Mind Telford and Wrekin in 2019 / 2020. Roles and responsibilities in supporting children and young people to ensure that they have good emotional health and wellbeing. For more information, please contact the Severn Teaching School Alliance directly on 01952 387237 or email info@severnteachingschool.co.uk.


Strengths and difficulties questionnaire

In accordance with best practice guidance for children in care, the Virtual School team have launched in the Spring Term 2020, an annual Education Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) which will be completed by Designated Teachers. Schools will receive an email to complete the online SDQ questionnaire at the same time as completing the Spring Term PEP. The SDQ will be required for all children in years 1 right through to year 13. If your school/provision completes a paper PEP document termly, your caseworker will share with you the paper SDQ document prior to the PEP for completion. 

Last updated: 06/12/2023 10:36

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