Get Pro
Menu

SEMH (Social, emotional and mental health)

One of the four areas of need: difficulties such as anxiety, depression, attachment difficulties or behaviours linked to unmet emotional needs.

Stands for
Social, emotional and mental health
Used in
England
Topic
SEND and special education

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

Classfern Pro: report writer, Ask Fern, forum and jobs – no ads. What's in Pro Join Classfern Pro

Learn how – Glossary: watch the 1-minute video · print (PDF)

Four broad areas of need England
The four categories of need in the SEND Code of Practice: communication and interaction; cognition and learning; social, emotional and mental health; and sensory and/or physical needs.
Mental health lead England
A senior member of staff in a school or college in England who leads its whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing.

More terms: SEND and special education

Local offer · Mediation · Resourced provision · SEN information report · SEN support · SEN unit

More terms starting with S · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.