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 Organization)
At our school, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our staff and all of our pupils. We pursue this aim using both whole school approaches and targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable pupils. By promoting positive mental health, we aim to recognise and respond to mental ill health, and promote a safe and stable environment for pupils affected – directly or indirectly – by mental ill health.

Lead Members of Staff

Whilst all staff have a responsibility to promote the mental health of pupils; staff with a specific, relevant remit include:

• Sarah James, Headteacher – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection
• Sarah Brocklehurst – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection
• Toby Herring – SENCO, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection
• Tyler Ainsworth - Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection
• Tracy Smith - Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection
• Phoebe Abbott – PHSE/RSE Lead
• Vicky Barton – ELSA Lead

Teaching about Mental Health

The skills, knowledge and understanding needed by our pupils to keep themselves and others physically and mentally healthy and safe are included as part of our developmental PSHE curriculum.
The specific content of lessons will be determined by the specific needs of the cohort we’re teaching but there will always be an emphasis on enabling pupils to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding, language and confidence to seek help, as needed, for themselves or others.

NSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe. 

This is an online programme for children aged 5-11.

The programme helps children understand:

• abuse in all its forms and how to recognise signs of abuse
• that abuse is never a child’s fault and that they have the right to be safe
• where to get help and the sources of help available to them, including the Childline service.

In school, we will be using this programme and sharing the assemblies that feature Ant and Dec to support children to feel empowered - knowing how they can speak out and stay safe.

Click the video below to see one of the assemblies.