Mental Health & Well Being
Mental Health First Aiders
Miss Whittell Mrs Senior-White
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“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 2014)
At our school, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our staff and all pupils. We pursue this aim using both universal, whole school approaches and specialised, targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable pupils. We access support from Educational Psychologists and Mental Health Practitioners via the Local Authority. This includes a scheme called 'Future in Mind'. These services are free but limited to referrals by school, where mental health is affecting learning. Parents who have concerns about their child’s mental health at home should let us know, but also approach their GP in the usual way.
In addition to promoting positive mental health, we aim to recognise and respond to mental ill health. In an average classroom, three children will be suffering from a diagnosable mental health issue. By developing and implementing practical, relevant and effective mental health policies and procedures we can promote a safe and stable environment for pupils affected both directly, and indirectly by mental ill health.
We are committed to supporting and enhancing every child’s emotional health and wellbeing as they grow and mature. We offer a whole school approach to Personal, Social and Health Education, delivered via assemblies and during class time. In addition, we have a large pastoral team which consists of two Learning Mentors, Attendance Officer, Nurture workers, Behaviour Support Workers and a Parent Support Worker. Our Learning Mentors, Mrs Senior -White and Miss Whittell are also a ‘Mental Health First Aiders’. This team may provide a more specialist bespoke individual or small group intervention which provides support for pupils who are struggling with the complexities and difficulties of the modern world.
Pupils are encouraged to access local support via WF-I-Can website.
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Further information and support can be found on the links below
Supporting pupil wellbeing
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-pupils-wellbeing
Promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
https://youngminds.org.uk/youngminds-professionals/
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/do-i-have-an-eating-disorder
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-behaviour-in-schools--2
Parental Advice supporting wellbeing
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing
https://www.gov.uk/childcare-parenting/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people
Parents and carers, alongside children and young people aged 16 and 17 can contact the Wakefield CAMHS team directly for support. Please note that a
child or young person must be registered with a GP practice in Wakefield to access support from Wakefield CAMHS. All calls or referrals are managed centrally by the CAMHS ‘Single Point of Access’ team, who are also known as ‘SPA’. If you’re a young person aged 16 to 17, a parent or carer of a child or young person under the age of 18, you can contact the Wakefield CAMHS team directly: 01977 735865 Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
For further information: https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/services/camhs-wakefield/
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