Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS) Qualitative Evaluation Report
Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS): West Norfolk - Qualitative Evaluation Report
Objective
Spirals were commissioned by TaMHS (Norfolk) to undertake a qualitative evaluation report that reflected practitioner’s perceptions of the difference TaMHS has made to 5-13 year old children’s emotional health.
A key function of the work was to look at the four different elements of TaMHS (Core Training, Everybodies Business Training, PATHS programme and the Supervision/Consultation support service) and how these had made a difference, so far, to both practitioners and partners perceptions and knowledge of mental health; and, secondly an assessment of the evidenced based models in terms of which ones had been most effective and why.
Engagement To provide research results concerning perceptions a qualitative approach was taken. Focus groups and one to one interviews were held with practitioners, partners, and children and young people. An online survey was also made available for those who could not attend focus groups.
To allow an accurate assessment of how effective TaMHS was being the scope of the research covered developments in partnership and integrated working practices, developments in screening and assessment skills, the impact of training and evaluation on direct delivery, the main areas of learning and cost effectiveness. Result
The final report concluded that shifts were occurring in the perceptions towards children and young people’s emotional health since the introduction of TaMHS. However, in order to achieve the maximum positive impact our report made a series of recommendations that would ensure continued improvements and engagement with schools. The report has since allowed the TaMHS team in Norfolk to hold discussions at a county level to share learning and consider potential mainstreaming opportunities for the project.