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.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme this year is Kindness. We would have been taking part in activities to support Mental Health Awareness week if we had been in school. In these difficult times especially, it is so important that we continue to focus on the Mental Health of everybody in our community. Kindness costs nothing but could have such a positive impact on people’s daily lives.
Autumn
Summer
Lead Members of Staff
Whilst all staff have a responsibility to promote the mental health of pupils; staff with a specific, relevant remit include:
Duncan White, Headteacher – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection
Sophie McGuiness, Deputy Headteacher – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection
Daniel Bennett, Assistant Headteacher – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection
Amy Middleton, Headteacher – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for child protection
Gemma Beety – Mental Health Lead / PHSE lead
Jade Millington – SENCO
Emma Crawford – Safeguarding Governor
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.