What is the study about?

About the study In response to rising rates of mental health difficulties among children and young people, the UK government has recently increased its policy focus and funding for mental health in and through schools (DoH & DfE, 2017). While it is apparent that schools are now doing more around mental health for pupils and staff alike, there remains a lack of clarity among policy makers, educationalists and scholars about exactly what schools are doing and how. This exploratory study aims to provide insight into the breadth and depth of what primary and secondary schools in the South West are offering in terms of mental health provision. It is being implemented by a small interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Exeter. As an ‘exploratory study’, we are gathering a relatively small amount of data from a select number of policy leaders in education and schools that will provide some initial information and help indicate whether a larger, more in-depth study would be of value. With the results, we aim to facilitate some multi-sectoral conversations about what is happening in schools around mental health. We hope this will promote knowledge exchange and learning both on the part of practitioners and academic researchers. One of the ways we will do this is by producing a podcast about our results. We may also intend to write about the results in a blog and/or academic publications.

What will your participation as a school policy leader will involve?

We will ask you to participate in an interview that will last about 45 minutes. It will be done either online (using MS Teams) or in person at your place of work, in a room that is private and confidential. The interview will take place during normal working hours. Only yourself and one researcher will be at the interview. We will ask some questions about your professional role and your experience of school activities/programmes around mental health. We will not ask any questions about your own mental health or the mental health of any specific individuals

If you have any questions once you have read this document, and/or if you would like to agree to participate in the study, please contact: Dr Katie Howard, University of Exeter:

Please see the downloadable PDF below for further information:

Information sheet for policy leaders (002)