Preventing mental health and wellbeing difficulties

Our Commitment to Mental Health and Wellbeing

At our school, we are committed to creating a safe, calm, and nurturing environment where mental health difficulties are less likely to arise. We take a proactive and preventative approach to support the wellbeing of every member of our school community and to build resilience in all pupils.

Our Preventative Approach

Curriculum Integration
Mental wellbeing is embedded across the curriculum and reinforced through our school ethos, daily routines, and learning environments. Pupils are taught about emotional literacy, healthy relationships, self-care, and resilience.

Staff Training
All staff receive training to help them identify early signs of mental health and wellbeing concerns. This enables timely support and ensures that pupils are met with understanding and consistency.

Whole-School Support System

Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead
We have a dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead who drives whole-school initiatives, promotes best practices, and ensures both staff and pupils are supported.

Nurture Support
Sarah Warrington, our trained Higher Level Teaching Assistants, delivers our Nurture Group and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) sessions focused on emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience building.

Mental Health First Aiders
Several staff members are trained as Mental Health First Aiders, providing immediate, confidential support to pupils and staff facing emotional or mental health challenges.

Early Intervention and Pupil Support

Clear Referral Pathways
We ensure that pupils can access help early through transparent and effective referral systems, supported by our safeguarding and SEND teams.

Lunchtime Drop-Ins
Pupils have access to a safe space during lunch where they can talk to a trusted adult about any concerns or simply share how they are feeling.

Peer Support
Our trained Peer Mediators and Play Leaders (older pupils) help promote positive social interactions, inclusion, and emotional support among their peers.

Inclusive Lunchtime Clubs
A variety of clubs—including quieter, sensory-friendly options—are available to support pupils who may find large or noisy environments overwhelming.

Specialist and External Support

When additional support is needed, we work closely with external services such as:

Younited
Allyance Counselling Services

These partnerships ensure pupils can access specialist, professional help in a timely and effective way.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Where mental health concerns may be linked to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, we act swiftly and in line with our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, ensuring pupils are kept safe and supported.

Embedding Mental Health into School Life

Wellbeing Assemblies
Regular assemblies focus on emotional wellbeing, resilience, and personal development, fostering a positive school culture.

PSHE Curriculum
Our PSHE programme teaches essential life skills including a growth mindset, habits of mind, and the ability to self-regulate and reflect—all crucial for long-term wellbeing.

School Ethos and Values
Our core values—compassion, teamwork, self-management, and perseverance—are embedded in every aspect of school life and underpin both academic success and emotional wellbeing.

Supporting Pupils with SEND

We are committed to meeting our statutory responsibilities in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Interventions are tailored, inclusive, and regularly reviewed to ensure progress and support.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

We collaborate with local schools, multi-agency teams, and the Faculty of Education to stay informed of best practices in SEMH. By sharing resources and expertise, we strengthen our provision and ensure our approach remains current and effective.