![Brookfield school exterior](img/m12p020d/abrookfields_574_1.jpg)
This resource looks at developing a whole-school approach to promoting mental health and well-being. CPD is important. Staff and management in schools should develop an appropriate policy to meet the needs of their school community.
![Listening to pupils](img/m12p020d/msqu7893_2.jpg)
What constitutes 'good practice' in promoting mental health? Research suggests
the
following criteria:
- An ethos that values and respects individuals;
- A serious approach to bullying and relationship difficulties;
- Swift resolution of problems;
- Good arrangements for listening to students;
- Family involvement in identifying problems and making provision.
![Sign at Brookfield school](img/m12p020d/abrookfields_1275_3.jpg)
School leaders need to consider many factors when monitoring how well the school is promoting mental health for both staff and pupils. The areas to examine are:
- How the school works in partnership with other agencies;
- Its relationships with parents;
- The informal arrangements that exist;
- Provision through professional referral.
![Staff training](img/m12p020d/msqu9209_4.jpg)
Guskey (2000) proposes that managers should consider five levels when evaluating the impact of any CPD:
- Participant reaction
- Participant learning
- Organisational support & change
- Participant use of new knowledge & skills
- Pupil learning outcomes
Good CPD should have a significant positive impact on how adults work with students.
CPD should result in new skills and knowledge which then leads to:
- Positive changes in teaching practice;
- Staff informing others of their newly learned skills and knowledge;
- Change within the school culture, policy and practice.
![Teacher with activity class](img/m12p020d/img_0217_5.jpg)
All schools have a vital role to play in the promotion of children's mental health and the prevention of mental health problems.
CPD for all staff is a vital component in mental health promotion.
Any form of training needs to be evidence-based, specific, and cater for the needs of students, families and staff.
Does your school have a strategy for CPD around emotional well-being and mental health?
Do you engage in CPD in this area?
Develop a personal strategy regarding how to improve your
own CPD.
![](img/m12p020d/book.png)
Guskey, T.R. (2000) Evaluating Professional Development, Thousand Oaks, Ca.: Corwin Press.