Supports at school
Parents can play an important role in supporting their child's mental health and wellbeing. If you think your child might need help you can talk to your child's school. The school can also speak with your child's health care team (with your consent) to determine how best to support your child at school.
The department's
Student Learning and Wellbeing Framework guides schools to implement a whole school approach to support students' mental health and wellbeing.
A range of case studies about reasonable adjustments and supports that can be provided at school can be found on the
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability website.
Wellbeing is a state in which every individual realises his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.—World Health Organisation, 2014
Resources available to schools
Schools are able to access a range of resources and support services to assist them to support students’ social and emotional needs. Please contact your child’s school to discuss your child’s specific needs.
Schools are responsible for accessing resources and support services to ensure they have the expertise and capability to support students’ social and emotional needs.
Your child may need your consent to access these support services or to be referred to an external service provider if they require additional support.
A wide range of supports are available to support students’ mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. Supports can be provided in a range of different ways by:
- Principals
- Teachers
- Guidance officers
- Teaching specialists such as Advisory Visiting Teachers, regional coaches and behaviour specialists
- Departmental therapists
- Community Education Counsellors (CECs)
- Principal Advisors—Mental health—work with school teams
- Other staff based in schools such as youth support coordinators and school-based youth health nurses
- Specialist Disability Support in Schools Program
- Special Needs Organisations Program
More information about our Student Learning and Wellbeing Framework and social and emotional supports available at school can be found on our
Student health, safety and wellbeing page, with specific advice for
parents and
students.