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SEND Handbook
Identifying Learners Needs and Progressive Provision
Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH)

Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH)

Children and young people may experience a wide range of social and emotional difficulties which manifest themselves in many ways. These may include becoming withdrawn or isolated, as well as displaying challenging, disruptive or disturbing behaviour. Schools should remember that all behaviour is communication. It is important that we consider what a child or young person is trying to “tell us” or “achieve” through their actions.

Such behaviours may reflect underlying mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression, self-harming, substance misuse, eating disorders or physical symptoms that are medically unexplained. Children and young people may have attentional difficulties or difficulties associated with attachment and early developmental trauma. Sometimes a specific diagnosis is given by a suitably qualified medical professional. These include the diagnosis of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, for example.

Concerns for learners emotional wellbeing and mental health

Where professionals have concerns about a learners emotional wellbeing and mental health a referral can be made to Humber CAMHS by completing the referral form which can be found here https://camhs.humber.nhs.uk/professionals/#2

Concerns that a learner may have ADHD

Where there are concerns that a learner may have ADHD, a request for support can be made through the Neurodiversity Service front door here hnf-tr.hullandeastridingneurodiversityservice@nhs.net The previous guidance documents below may be helpful when completing any screening checklists.

ADHD Triage Guidance Notes.pdf

Those learners who display difficulties consistent with ADHD, may also display traits which are consistent with attachment difficulties. Notes on some of the difficulties experienced by those with attachment difficulties can be found in the document below.

ADHD Triage Guidance Notes - Attachment.pdf