Supporting the Mental Health of SEND Students and Their Families

Fayrouz Soliman
6 days ago
2 min read

Why Mental Health Awareness Week Matters for SEND Students

Mental Health Awareness Week UK 2025, running from 13–19 May, reminds us that mental well-being is essential for everyone, especially for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). At Eton Academy, we are committed to raising awareness of the mental health challenges SEND learners and their families face while fostering inclusive and emotionally supportive education.

Mental Health Challenges Facing Children with SEND

Students with SEND are up to four times more likely to experience mental health issues such as:

Anxiety and depression
Emotional regulation difficulties
Low self-esteem

This elevated risk often stems from:

Communication or behavioural challenges
Social isolation or bullying
Learning fatigue and academic stress
Sensory processing issues or physical difficulties
Inconsistent support across school settings

According to YoungMinds UK, delays in accessing care and a lack of coordination between education and health services can severely impact emotional well-being.

The Mental Health Impact on Parents and Carers of SEND Learners

The mental health of SEND students deeply affects their parents and caregivers, who often face:

Difficulty securing timely diagnoses or services
Constant advocacy for their child’s needs
Financial and emotional stress
Feelings of isolation

Supporting a SEND child is rewarding, but also emotionally and mentally taxing. Family well-being must be part of the conversation.

How Schools Can Promote Mental Health Support for SEND Students and Families

Educational institutions play a pivotal role in improving mental health outcomes. Here’s how schools can help:

1. Create Inclusive Learning Environments

Use inclusive teaching strategies and foster a culture where all students feel safe and valued.

2. Teach Mental Health and Emotional Literacy

Incorporate mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and emotional regulation skills into the curriculum.

3. Integrate Mental Health into IEPs

Ensure that Individual Education Plans (IEPs) reflect the student’s emotional and mental health needs.

4. Build Empathetic Family-School Partnerships

Communicate regularly and empathetically with families, keeping them informed and engaged.

5. Signpost External Support Services

Refer families to trusted organisations such as:

Eton Academy's Commitment to Holistic SEND Support

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, Eton Academy proudly reaffirms its commitment to:

Supporting SEND students’ mental health through holistic approaches
Offering inclusive learning environments tailored to diverse needs
Empowering parents and carers through communication and collaboration
Training staff in trauma-informed and inclusive practices

Know more about Helping SEND Students Successfully Transition to College or Work

Supporting the mental health of SEND students and their families is not a one-week task—it’s a year-round commitment. During Mental Health Awareness Week UK 2025, let’s all work toward building more compassionate, inclusive, and mentally healthy school communities.