Book Corner: Mental Health Matters

Current statistics show a significant rise in mental health difficulties in children and young people, and new legislation urges schools to consider whether continuing disruptive behaviour might be the result of an unmet need. With recent reports of mental health in teenagers worsening, primary school is the perfect place to apply preventative measures, and as such there’s never been a more important time to publish this guide. 

Using real life case studies, Mental Health Matters supports all teachers and school staff in understanding and identifying the early signs of mental health difficulties, and explains how to bring about appropriate early interventions. 

The book follows an ‘assess, plan, do and review’ format to help teachers support pupils with mental health problems. There is a particular focus on the identification of emerging mental health issues so that schools are alert to potential difficulties and can plan an early response. The guide also links to current legislation.  

Paula Nagel began her career in education as a primary school teacher with responsibility for personal, social and emotional curriculum development, before qualifying as an Educational Psychologist. She practised as an Educational Psychologist within local authorities for sixteen years before taking a post with the children’s mental health charity, Place2Be. Paula has a specialist interest in early years’ development and working with parents, and provides consultation for schools to identify and support the impact of mental health difficulties on behaviour and achievement.

Mental Health Matters is released on 8 September by Bloomsbury.