Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative

Mental Health in Primary Schools training program

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders (MHWLs), and other school staff trainees where suitable, are provided with comprehensive evidence-based training by the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education.

Schools are recommended to participate in the core module training as a team of up to 3 people, including the MHWL and principal or assistant principal, plus another school staff member such as wellbeing team member or leading teacher. This will support implementation of a whole-school approach to student mental health and wellbeing. Every school context is different and the participation of a range of staff in training will help ensure that each school takes the best approach for improving mental health and wellbeing in their school.

University of Melbourne Learning Leaders

Once schools have registered their MHWL for training, via the MHWL enrolment form, the University of Melbourne training team will allocate the MHWL a Learning Leader. The Learning Leader supports the MHWL through induction and the training program and creates connections between MHWLs in different schools through the MHiPS Learning Communities. They also work closely with MHWLs and the department’s regional mental health branches to implement and embed MHiPS into the school environment.

Training overview

MHiPS training includes:

• Core training modules:
  • Module 1: Mental Health Literacy (2-3 hours of self-paced online learning)
  • Module 2: Building Capacity (2-3 hours of self-paced online learning plus one full day online or in-person workshop)
  • Module 3: Supporting Need (2-3 hours of self-paced online learning plus full day online or in-person workshop)
• Module 4: MHiPS Learning Communities (2 to 3, 2-hour sessions per term for MHWLs only).

Core training modules

The core training modules build knowledge in mental health and wellbeing and upskill MHWLs to support colleagues, establish and maintain referral pathways and build staff capacity to collaborate with parents and families. MHWLs also have access to readings, discussion boards, additional resources and tools to support the MHWL role via the University of Melbourne’s Canvas learning platform (staff login required).

'Module 1: Mental Health Literacy' focuses on building knowledge of child development, child mental health and wellbeing and increasing child mental health literacy.

'Module 2: Building Capacity' aims to build whole-school capacity in student mental health and wellbeing.

'Module 3: Supporting Needs' explores practical strategies and resources which support the implementation of MHiPS and the MHWL role across various school contexts.

Casual Relief Teacher reimbursement for core module training

Government schools can seek reimbursement for Casual Relief Teacher (CRT) costs to support the MHWL and 2 additional staff members with teaching loads to attend core training modules 1 to 3.

Schools are unable to claim CRT reimbursement for their MHWL attending learning communities as these are scheduled on days where the MHWL is carrying out their MHiPS role within the school. Education support staff attending MHiPS training are not covered under this funding program as they do not have a teaching load.

Schools must submit the reimbursement request through the Schools Targeted Funding Portal. Schools eligible to access this reimbursement will be provided guidance directly and through the portal.

Module 4: MHiPS learning communities

Year 1 of the initiative

MHWLs take part in 2 to 3 learning communities each term from Term 2 (2 hours each), which are designed to extend learning from the first 3 training modules.

Year 2 of the initiative

MHWLs attend enriched learning communities twice per term (2 hours each), which are led by their Learning Leader.

Year 3 of the initiative

MHWLs are supported to embed their mental health and wellbeing plans into their school, ensuring sustainability of the initiative.