All About SEMH: A Practical Guide for Primary Teachers

Sarah Johnson is the founder of Phoenix Education Consultancy, which helps educational establishments to understand what they are doing well and looks at addressing gaps to improve their service. She previously worked in both primary and secondary mainstream education, including as director of inclusion for a large primary school, and as head of a Secondary Pupil Referral Unit.

• ForewordAcknowledgementsAcronyms1. Part 1: IntroductionThe purpose of this book and how you might use it1.1 The evolution of the term ‘SEMH'1.3 A brief overview of the international policy picture1.4 What does it mean to have Social and Emotional Mental Health Needs?Part 2: Practical Strategies2.1. Anxiety2.1a) Emotional based school avoidance2.1b) Generalised anxiety2.1c) Social phobia/anxiety2.1d) Specific phobias2.1e) Selective mutism/situational mutism2.1f) interventions and support for children with anxiety2.2a Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)2.2b Disinhibited attachment disorder/Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)2.2c Intervention and support for children with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)2.2d Intervention and support for children with Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)2. 3 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)2.3a Intervention and support for children with ADHD2. 4 Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)2.4b Intervention and support for children with FASD2.5 Harmful Sexual Behaviour2.5a) Beyond referrals2.6 Extreme/Pathological demand avoidance (E/PDA)2.6b Intervention and support for children with EDA2.7 Self-Harm2.8 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)2.8a Intervention and support for children with PTSD2.9 Tic Disorders2.9a Tourette’s Syndrome2.9b) Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder (PANS)2.9c) Intervention, support and adaptions for tic disorders2.10 Managing emotions2.10a) Self-soothing2.10b) Self-regulation2.10c Hurting othersPart 3: Further Resources3.1. other resources3.2 mapping school support3.3 Mapping resources within and beyond the school gatesBibliographyIndex

"Sarah has provided just the right amount of depth and a plethora of practical strategies which won’t cost the earth and feel realistic in the primary classroom. Easily navigable, the book can be dipped into as needed by busy staff looking for rapid responses." - Pooky Knightsmith, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Expert"Sarah is a passionate practitioner who puts the child at the heart of everything she does. She is well researched and has shared her practical knowledge and skills in this book so that more children can benefit. A book that is easy to dip into when necessary, I have no doubt that this will be an extremely useful reference for primary teaching staff to support and include children with social, emotional and mental health challenges and enable them to be successful in the school environment." – Cath Kitchen OBE, Chair of National Association for Hospital Education"This practical and user-friendly resource is a must have for every primary school practitioner who is seeking support the well-being of our most vulnerable children and specifically those with social, emotional and mental health needs. It has been written by a practitioner who really knows what works and what ensures that everyone can flourish in the learning context. The use of case studies, reflection points and specific evidence-based strategies makes this a very accessible resource and one which will generate confidence for anyone new to the profession who is seeking to gain a deeper understanding of mental health needs and develop their practice in this area." – Tina Rae, Child Psychologist & Author"Teachers and support staff working with children with social and emotional mental health needs will find this book invaluable. It provides practical strategies and insights for supporting children's development and creating a safe and inclusive classroom. The book is divided by diagnosis, profile, or need, making it easy for teachers to find relevant information. Sarah uses her 20 years of education experience to offer practical solutions for those without comprehensive SEMH training. This book will help reduce exclusions and support SEMH children's transition to adulthood." – Abigail Hawkins, (FCCT), SENsible SENCO"This book is invaluable for anyone involved in supporting children with SEMH (social and emotional mental health) needs. It covers the SEMH relevant to primary school pupils, recognising that behaviour is a way of communicating difficulties with emotional regulation. The book is laid out in a clear and logical way, with information about each condition, and practical tools and strategies which Sarah has drawn together from her 20 years in education. She also includes a list of story books which are aimed at pupils experiencing trauma, bereavement etc, and those around them." - Fiona Johnson, SENCO and SEN Consultant