Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH)
Also called Social, emotional and mental health. That is the name used in diagnostic manuals and on most official paperwork.
SEMH is one of the four broad areas of need in England's SEND system. It is the category a school records when a child's main need is seen as emotional wellbeing or behaviour.
Applies in England
A school may record SEMH when a child seems withdrawn or isolated, or when their distress comes out as challenging or disruptive behaviour. The SEND SEND SEND is England's word for children who need extra help to learn. The rest of the UK uses other words, and other rules. Read the full definition of SEND Code of Practice itself says such behaviour can reflect underlying difficulties such as anxiety or depression.
Here is the thing to watch. If an undiagnosed autistic child Identity-first language Saying autistic child rather than child with autism. Many autistic people prefer it: being autistic is part of who they are. Read the full definition of Identity-first language or a child with ADHD ADHD ADHD is a difference in the way a child's brain works. It affects how they pay attention, how much energy they have, and how easily they act on impulse. Read the full definition of ADHD has their distress recorded as SEMH, the support that follows may target the behaviour, while the question of what is driving it never gets asked. The Code expects underlying causes to be considered, so it is fair to ask the school directly: what do you think is causing this, and has a neurodevelopmental explanation been considered?
SEMH is an England category. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland describe needs under their own systems.
If you work with children
When SEMH is recorded as the primary need for a child with a possible unassessed neurodevelopmental condition, note the evidence for that choice and when it was last reviewed. The Code's expectation that underlying causes are identified (para 6.32 onward) is the hook for revisiting the categorisation.
Related words
Where this comes from
- Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25 years (January 2015), paragraph 6.32 , Department for Education and Department of Health. Checked 2026-08-15.
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