Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing at Our School

At our school, we are committed to creating a safe, calm, and nurturing environment where mental health problems are less likely to occur. We work proactively to improve the wellbeing of our entire school community and foster resilience in all pupils.

Our Preventative Approach

• Curriculum Integration: We teach pupils about mental wellbeing through the curriculum and reinforce these messages through our school ethos and daily activities.

• Staff Training: Staff are equipped with the knowledge and tools to identify early signs of mental health and wellbeing difficulties, enabling timely and accurate support.

Whole-School Support System

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead: We have a designated lead who champions wellbeing initiatives for both staff and pupils.

• Nurture Support: Sarah Warrington and Amanda Johns, our trained Higher Level Teaching Assistants, run nurture groups and ELSA support that focus on building social and resilience skills.

• Mental Health First Aiders: Several staff members are trained as Mental Health First Aiders, offering support to anyone experiencing emotional distress or mental health challenges.

Early Intervention and Pupil Support

• Referral Processes: We ensure pupils can access early support through clear, efficient referral pathways.

• Lunchtime Drop-Ins: Pupils can speak with an adult in a safe space to share worries or simply talk.

• Peer Support: Older pupils are trained as Peer Mediators and Play Leaders to promote positive interactions and play.

• Inclusive Clubs: We offer both physical and quieter lunchtime clubs to support pupils who find busy environments challenging.

Specialist and External Support

• We work closely with external agencies such as Younited and Allyance Counselling Services to provide quick and effective access to professional support when needed.

Embedding Mental Health into School Life

• Assemblies: Regular wellbeing assemblies encourage self-management and build resilience.

• PSHE Curriculum: Pupils develop essential life skills such as a growth mindset, habits of mind, and the ability to ‘learn to learn’.

• School Ethos: Our values promote self-management, compassion, and teamwork—core to both academic success and personal wellbeing.

Supporting Pupils with SEND

• We fulfill our statutory responsibilities by identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, including those related to SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health).

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

• Where wellbeing concerns may signal abuse, neglect, or exploitation, we ensure swift and appropriate safeguarding referrals in line with our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

Collaboration and Community

• We regularly collaborate with local schools and the Faculty of Education to share expertise and resources related to SEMH, ensuring our practices remain current and effective.