Mental Health & Wellbeing

At Oakthorpe we recognise that mental health and wellbeing influence children and young people’s cognitive development and learning as well as their social and emotional health.

Children and young people struggling with mental health problems are unlikely to be able to learn effectively and are more likely to be absent from school.

At Oakthorpe we adopt a whole-school approach to supporting the positive social, emotional and mental wellbeing of staff, children and young people (including people with a neurodiverse condition), by valuing and strengthening relationships with children, parents and carers and all stakeholders.

We recognise safety and safeguarding as the basis of wellbeing. We design and review policies and the curriculum to ensure that we promote social, emotional and mental wellbeing positively and consistently.

We take into account the value of trauma-informed approaches and parental co-production.

We promote a school culture and ethos where children feel safe to make and learn from mistakes; we model, teach and promote emotional self-regulation within an understanding of behaviour, taking into account neurodiversity and communication needs.

We engage with local communities and groups, strengthen links to external agencies that can provide additional support, and agree referral pathways.

To increase the awareness and understanding and reduce stigma amongst students, staff and parents/carers of issues involving the mental health and wellbeing of young people and to provide support at an early stage to any student who is or appears to be suffering from mental health issues.
To support students and staff with their own mental health and wellbeing.

Supporting students

Mental health and wellbeing is a very varied and complex area and there are no quick-fix solutions. Maintaining every day, regular routines wherever possible, such as attending school and lessons whilst managing mental health is key. The school offers a range of services to help students develop positive mental health and wellbeing and support those experiencing mental health issues. These are:

Signposting mental health and wellbeing resources and agencies on our Mental Health and Wellbeing section of the school’s website.
Teachers and senior leaders are well-placed to spot changes in behaviour that might indicate a problem and offer support and guidance. Many things can cause a change in mental health, including traumatic events (e.g. loss or separation, life changes, abuse, domestic violence or bullying).

Referrals

Any member of staff, student, parents/carers concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of a student should speak to the class teacher or a member of the school’s leadership about their concerns. They will monitor and support them, and refer to the Safeguarding Team and/or outside agencies as appropriate.

Oakthorpe Staff

We ensure that staff have continuing professional development to support both their own wellbeing and the implementation of the school's approach. This includes training in emotional literacy, trauma, neurodiversity, communication needs and relational approaches.

Lead members of Staff:

Safeguarding Team: Sandra Sefer (SENCo) Michelle Wood (Deputy Headteacher Designated Safeguarding Lead, PSHE lead); Isabella Mora (Senior Mental Health Lead, ITT lead); Jacqui Sesto (Parent Support Advisor); Sarah Demetrios (Learning Mentor); Vikki Norris (class teacher), Jude Garrad (Headteacher)
Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Group: (all of the above and) Bes Kiole, Urvi Gudka.

How Can I get Help for My Child and for Myself (parent/carer)?

If a young person is in crisis, call the 24/7 Crisis Line for Children/Young People & Families on 0800 151 0023 or contact your GP.

In an emergency, please call 999 or attend your local A&E.

You can also call:

Samaritans - trained Samaritans are available to talk through your concerns and worries any time, day or night. Telephone: 116 123 (free).

Childline - trained Childline counsellors are there for children and young people, open 24/7. Available online and on the phone. Telephone: 0800 1111 (free).

Papyrus - trained advisors provide support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person. Telephone: 0800 068 4141 (free), available every day, 9am to midnight.

Kooth- free local NHS self-help tools for young people. Anonymous counselling is available without any referral needed. Chat with a professional, read self-help articles, try a wellbeing activity and find support from others.