Child Mental Health Awareness Course

Child Mental Health Awareness – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces the importance of children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, helping learners understand how these can influence behaviour, development, learning and relationships. It explores common risk factors, recognising signs of emotional distress, safeguarding responsibilities and practical ways to support children in everyday settings. Learners will also consider how to communicate with children, work with parents and carers, and identify when additional support may be needed. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is CPD accredited.

Please note: This is an introductory course designed to develop awareness of children’s mental health and wellbeing. It does not replace specialist mental health training, safeguarding training or any practical, regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing
• The relationship between mental health, behaviour and development
• Self-regulation and co-regulation
• The role of trusted adults and key persons
• Supporting children’s mental health in early years settings
• The impact of abuse and neglect
• Risk factors affecting children’s wellbeing
• Recognising when a child may be struggling
• Understanding behaviour in young children
• Identifying when additional support may be needed
• Working with parents, carers and specialist services
• Safeguarding responsibilities
• Strengthening parent-child relationships
• Practical approaches to supporting emotional wellbeing
• Talking to children about their mental health
• Taking appropriate action when concerns arise
• The mental health continuum
• Establishing routines and supporting early bonding
• Encouraging open conversations about wellbeing
• Supporting parents and carers with mental health concerns
• Finding appropriate sources of support
• Government guidance on mental health in education

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for people who work with, care for or support children and young people. It is relevant to professionals across early years, education, healthcare and social care, as well as parents and carers who want to improve their understanding of children’s emotional wellbeing.

It may be particularly useful for:
• Early years practitioners and nursery staff
• Childminders and childcare professionals
• Teachers and teaching assistants
• Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) staff
• Designated safeguarding leads
• Youth workers
• Healthcare professionals, school nurses and health visitors
• Social care practitioners and family support workers
• Counsellors and therapists
• Parents, guardians and carers
• Other adults responsible for supporting children and young people

The course can support staff induction, refresher learning, awareness development and continuing professional development.

Practical benefits
• Improve awareness of children’s mental health and emotional needs
• Recognise potential signs that a child may be experiencing difficulties
• Understand factors that may affect wellbeing or increase vulnerability
• Develop respectful approaches to discussing mental health
• Identify practical ways to support emotional regulation and resilience
• Understand the importance of safeguarding and appropriate escalation
• Recognise when additional professional support or referral may be appropriate
• Encourage effective collaboration with parents, carers and specialists
• Promote compassionate, child-centred support
• Receive a CPD-accredited digital certificate following successful completion of the assessment

What learners will be able to do
• Describe key concepts associated with children’s mental health and wellbeing
• Recognise signs that a child may need additional support
• Identify factors that can affect emotional wellbeing and increase risk
• Communicate with children and families in a respectful, non-stigmatising manner
• Understand the importance of self-regulation, co-regulation and trusted relationships
• Apply appropriate supportive approaches within the limits of their role
• Recognise situations that require urgent action or escalation
• Understand when signposting or referral to specialist services may be appropriate
• Work collaboratively with parents, carers and relevant professionals
• Contribute to a supportive environment that promotes children’s dignity, wellbeing and individual needs

Is this training a legal requirement?
The supplied course information states that Child Mental Health Awareness training is not specifically required by law for all workers. However, organisations working with children have safeguarding and child welfare responsibilities. The course refers to the Children Act 1989, the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education, where applicable. Employers should determine appropriate training according to their setting, responsibilities and relevant safeguarding guidance.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online multiple-choice assessment at the end of the course. On successful completion, they receive a CPD-accredited digital certificate that can be downloaded immediately. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is delivered online, allowing learners to study on a phone, tablet or computer. Instant access is provided, and the assessment can be completed when learners are ready.