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<p>It is up to schools to decide what support to put in place based on the individual
circumstances of their pupils. The statutory Special Educational Need and Disability
(SEND) Code of Practice sets out the approach that schools should take when a member
of staff identifies emerging concerns such as mental health issues. This approach
informs the decision as to whether a child needs special education provision, and
so applies to children regardless of whether they have a need or disability. The Code
is clear that support should not require a specific diagnosis, and should be provided
from an early stage, including the involvement of external professionals where appropriate.</p><p>To
ensure schools have access to specialist mental health support, the Department is
working closely with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to provide
new mental health support teams. These will provide a range of support and interventions
for groups of schools and colleges. The aim is for the new teams to be established
in 20-25% of England by 2023. This will start with 25 trailblazer areas which will
be fully operational by the end of this year.</p><p>The Department is also incentivising
schools to identify and train a senior mental health lead, who will be responsible
for overseeing the delivery of a whole school approach to promoting better mental
health and wellbeing.</p>
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