The evolution of mental health in schools: where from, where next?

ABSTRACT

The current agenda for mental health in schools is considered in relation to the concept of mental health and how it has been iterated in schools in the UK. Key contributions from education pioneers are outlined, providing a time line for the first half of the twentieth century particularly informed by psychoanalysis. Mid twentieth century the term mental health begins to be used explicitly and we see the emergence of mental health counselling in schools.  Developments culminate in Wall’s (1955) landmark book Education and Mental Health, which set out a whole school approach. In the latter part of the twentieth century we see a move towards a targeted approach, and the curriculum development for Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) and the consolidation of current policy drivers for mental health are set out. It is argued that in the future, in light of COVID-19, we will see new bridges between home and school, with schools acting more as community hubs supporting the mental health of children and their families.

KEYWORDS:

• Schools
• mental health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.