Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health (SEND Pathway) - Level 2

Summary

Are you passionate about supporting the emotional wellbeing of children and young people? This Level 2 Certificate is ideal for anyone working with or caring for young people who wants to better understand mental health and how to provide effective support. Whether you're in education, youth work, or a family support role, this course offers valuable insight into the challenges young people face and how to respond with empathy and confidence.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore key topics such as the context of mental health in childhood and adolescence, common mental health conditions, and the impact of mental ill-health on development and relationships. You’ll also learn about the factors that influence mental wellbeing and the types of support available to help children and young people thrive. This course is a strong foundation for those looking to enhance their practice or progress into further study in education, health, or social care.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
08 Dec 2025	Bispham Campus	12 Weeks	Apply now
06 Jan 2027	Bispham Campus	11 Weeks	Enquire now

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course forms part of a structured SEND and Workforce Development Pathway, supporting continuing professional development and progression into more advanced roles and qualifications.

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the SEND Pathway, which includes the following courses.

SEND PATHWAY

Next steps at B&FC

Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners can continue their professional development through a range of higher-level courses at Blackpool and The Fylde College.

Progression options include:

These progression routes support your journey into more senior roles and specialist areas within the education sectors.

Employment Opportunities

This qualification supports entry into a range of roles where an understanding of children and young people’s mental health is essential. It’s particularly valuable for those working in education or community-based settings.

Potential job titles include:

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements:

Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:

DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.

These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people.

Qualification obtained

Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this course.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: NCFE

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

This course is designed to increase your awareness and understanding of mental health issues affecting children and young people. You’ll explore the factors that influence mental wellbeing, the impact of mental ill-health, and how to provide effective support.

You will study the following mandatory units:

Understand children and young people’s mental health in context
Learn about the importance of mental health and how it is shaped by social, cultural, and developmental factors.
Understand factors which may affect children and young people’s mental health
Explore influences such as family dynamics, trauma, bullying, and social media.
Understand children and young people’s mental health concerns
Gain insight into common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and behavioural disorders.
Understand the impact of children and young people’s mental health concerns
Examine how mental ill-health can affect learning, relationships, and overall development.
Understand how to support children and young people with mental health concerns
Discover strategies and sources of support to promote resilience and wellbeing.

This structured approach ensures learners develop a well-rounded understanding of mental health and are equipped to support children and young people in a variety of settings.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There is no mandatory work placement required for this course. However, learners are encouraged to reflect on real-world scenarios and apply their learning in professional or voluntary settings where possible.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enhance the learning experience through guest speakers and employer engagement activities. These may include talks from mental health professionals, youth workers, and education specialists who share insights into current challenges and best practices in supporting children and young people’s mental health. These sessions help learners connect theory to practice and explore potential career pathways in education and support services.

How will I learn?

Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme.  

The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that students can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.  

Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion.  

Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.  

Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.  

Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.  

This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector.  

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate support.

Grading:

The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.