“Help! What Do I Do Now?”: Strategies to Support Children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs in the Primary Classroom

"Help! What Do I Do Now?" is an essential guide for primary school teachers, full of practical strategies to support children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs in the classroom. The book offers a comprehensive approach and holistic perspective on SEMH support, covering topics from regulating the whole class and regulating individual children, to understanding the impact of sensory needs and transitions. Chapters illustrate how a range of strategies can be applied in real-life classrooms, and case studies and reflections demonstrate how they can be adapted to suit each setting and unique child in need. Further support and guidance is also offered on staff wellbeing, emphasising the importance of looking after yourself and supporting your own wellbeing first. With a wealth of cost- and time-effective ideas and suggestions to support children with SEMH, this accessible guide will be essential reading for practising and trainee primary school teachers, as well as SENCOs and school leaders.

Table of Contents:
0.Introduction. 1.Regulating a whole class. 2.Regulating an Individual Child. 3.The Environment. 4.Sensory. 5.Transitions. 6.Creativity. 7.Staff Wellbeing. 8.Resources. x.Conclusion.

About the Author :
Sharon Cooke is a Thrive Licensed Practitioner and nurture specialist who has extensive experience of working in schools with vulnerable children with a wide range of additional needs including social, emotional, behavioural and SEND needs. She is also a member of the Brighter Futures Nurture Outreach Team providing training and coaching for school staff. Sonia Mainstone-Cotton is a freelance nurture specialist and Thrive Licenced Practitioner working with Brighter Futures Nurture Outreach team, she has extensive experience of working in schools and early years settings with children who have high social, emotional and mental health needs. Sonia also delivers training across the country, working with early years settings, charities and schools. This is Sonia’s 12th book.

Review :
"I very much enjoyed reading “Help! What Do I Do Now?”. Sharon and Sonia’s writing style is extremely engaging and accessible. There is a perfect balance of information based on research alongside their own tried-and-tested ideas and suggestions. I found the structure really useful, from considering ways of supporting the whole class and individual children, to the staff I am working with and also myself. Having points in the book for self-reflection helped me pause and consider the ways that I work when I am in schools. Finally, all of the toolbox, activity and resources ideas are amazing and incredibly useful to have in one place.” Kate Parmar, Inclusion Practitioner for Brighter Futures and ex-SENDCO "I wholeheartedly recommend Help! What Do I Do Now? This insightful book is an invaluable resource for educators navigating the complexities of whole class and individual regulation strategies. It offers clear guidance on recognising and understanding SEMH needs, making it easier to identify when a child is struggling—whether at the start of the day, during transitions, or within the classroom environment. What I particularly love about this book are the practical strategies it provides to support both students and teachers. The reflection moments throughout encourage us to pause and thoughtfully consider the needs of each child in our care. The wealth of resources, links, and further reading make it an indispensable tool for professional development. One of the standout features of this book is the easy-to-use, quick, and effective printable resources. These tools are not only practical but also enhance our ability to support children in real time. Help! What Do I Do Now? is a must-read for all educators. It is especially beneficial for teachers who often find themselves alone in the classroom without additional support. It’s perfect for dipping in and out of when seeking support and innovative strategies. I can confidently say I’ll be using this as my guiding resource from now on!" Natasha Sealy, Interim Assistant Headteacher and EYFS Lead