Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (World Health Organisation)

Our mental health lead is Mrs McConnell (Deputy Headteacher)

We understand the impact that the global pandemic of coronavirus will have on our staff and students. At our school, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our school community as well as respond to mental ill health. We will ensure emotional support is provided especially during stressful times e.g. SATs.

We understand that taking a listening and empathetic approach is important when talking to students about their mental health issues. This can sometimes be what is initially needed by the pupil rather than advice or direction. If there are any safeguarding concerns discussion with the DSL will take place.

We ensure the metal wellbeing of our staff and pupils through an open, accepting and empathetic ethos. The core Christian values of the school, particularly compassion and friendship emphasise the importance of other's feelings and we endeavour to live and model these values, every day.

Our curriculum is underpinned by personal, social and health development whereby children continually develop their understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle - including emotional, social and physical health principles. Our school also offers experiences to promote positive mental health including an after-school reading club specifically designed for 'Healthy hearts and minds.'

When we feel someone is struggling with their mental wellbeing and health, concerns can be logged through school systems CPOMS - and the appropriate member of the pastoral team will set a plan in motion for getting the pupil back on track. This is closely monitored and updated on the school's internal system and parents are kept informed with updates.

The school's Family Advocate will be directed to support children who require support with their mental wellbeing and health and further advice / support is sought from the Futures in Mind project, with their recommendations utilised and closely monitored through CPOMS.

Mental health of staff is further supported through the SAS package which offers many benefits including health screening days, stress awareness sessions, counselling and physiotherapy. All of these services are displayed prominently on the staff wellbeing board. The Futures in Mind CAMHS link have also led staff meetings on mindfulness to promote healthy habits and positive mental health with the teaching and support staff.

Mental Wellbeing

We use Wakefield Resilience framework to build resilience in our pupils: https://www.riskandresilience.org.uk/
As well as embedding the following into our curriculum: https://www.pshe-association.org.uk/curriculum-and-resources/resources
Other sources of support include: Improving children’s mental health in schools – Place2Be
Young Minds Professionals https://youngminds.org.uk/youngminds-professionals/
Mental health and behaviour in schools https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-behaviour-in-schools--2
Advice and support on mental health problems www.mind.org.uk
E-learning www.minded.org.uk
Tackles the stigma of mental health www.time-to-change.org.uk
Challenges attitudes towards mental health www.rethink.org
Childline https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/
WF-I CAN (The online resource for children and young people in Wakefield https://wf-i-can.co.uk/

Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk OCD UK www.ocduk.org
Students Against Depression https://www.studentsagainstdepression.org/
Depression Alliance www.depressoinalliance.org

Dealing with Change and Transition

Mental Healthy Schools Toolkit - Dealing with change and transitions toolkit : Mentally Healthy Schools

Suicide and Self Harm

Dedicated to self-harm recovery, insight and support https://www.selfharm.co.uk/
National Self-Harm Network www.nshn.co.uk
Suicidal thoughts Prevention of young suicide UK – PAPYRUS: www.papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/

Eating Disorders