When should a teacher refer a student?

Refer the same day if

• A student mentions self-harm, suicide or wanting to disappear.
• You see signs of injury, abuse or neglect.
• A student tells you someone is hurting them or they are hurting someone else.

Talk to your pastoral team if

• A change in mood, behaviour, eating or attendance lasts more than two weeks.
• The change shows up across several areas: friends, learning, energy.
• Colleagues or parents have noticed the same thing.
• Your instinct says something is not right.

How to refer well

Be honest with the student about who you will tell and why. Write down what you observed and what was said, in their words, with dates. Then follow up: a quick check-in a few days later shows the student that telling an adult made a difference.

More questions from teachers ask

• What to say when a student says "I can't do this anymore"
• What teachers should and shouldn't do when a student discloses distress
• Safeguarding vs mental health support: what is the difference?
• All guides