Some may have extreme or developed mental health problems but mental health also encompasses day-to-day stresses and anxieties, which may relate to a child's home life. Children's centre and extended school staff can play an important role in detecting problems early on and helping parents find the right support for their child.
Mental illness or stress can affect a child's behaviour so it's important those working with children are trained to recognise symptoms. Indicators might include changes in a child's usual behaviour, not sleeping or bed-wetting. Other symptoms could include self-harm, disruptive or withdrawn behaviour and fussiness around order or cleanliness.
Once a staff member has received training, they should be tasked with passing on their knowledge to others. As children's centres and out-of-school clubs run on finite budgets, sharing expertise and training is crucial to ensure high-quality care is provided in a cost-effective way.
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