Wellbeing and Keeping Safe
At our school, we believe in the importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing for pupils and staff. Pastoral support is offered for pupils by all our staff across the school.
Interventions which are offered to our pupils are provided by specialist school staff and external service providers. The interventions include drama therapy, counselling, well-being groups, (based on the FRIENDS programme), pathways, drawing and talking, managing my mood, gardening time, DIY time and complementary therapy.
There is a range of lunchtime and after school clubs at school to enhance learning and also provide a place for pupils to build their confidence and social skills. See the clubs and activities timetable
The following sections provide website links with information for young people, parents and carers.
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing or mental health please speak to their class teacher or form tutor. Medical appointments are available at the weekly school clinic with our Community Paediatrician. Please contact the school office for details.
Kent Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Service and Single Point of Access
The Kent Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS), also identified as CAMHS, provide emotional wellbeing and mental health support for children and young people. Referrals can be made directly to the Single Point of Access (SPA) by parents, or other professionals including school staff.
Contact them directly on 0300 123 4496 to make a self-referral or seek advice. (Available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week)
Barnados
There are a wealth of universal services available to support children and families that are free and do not need a referral. The Barnado's 'Believe in Children' website has a wealth of information and services that you the parents/guardians/carers might find hugely beneficial.
BARNADOS
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families. They provide support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.
NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY
Kooth
Kooth is a transformational digital mental health support service. It gives children and young people easy access to an online community of peers and a team of experienced counsellors. Access is free of the typical barriers to support: no waiting lists, no thresholds, no cost and complete anonymity.
Minded For Families
Safe and reliable advice about young people’s mental health created by experts and parents together
Kent Resilience Hub
As a parent or carer there will be many times during your child’s life when you will observe your child’s resilience being tested. Whether it is friendship difficulties, managing change, or dealing with loss. You may find yourself looking for ways that you can help your child to feel better. There are a number of ways to help your child become more resilient. This includes ways to better manage the ups and downs that life can bring.
MindFresh
This award-winning app has lots of information and guidance that can help you deal with life’s challenges. Further details, along with a host of useful information and links to other organisations who work closely with young people to help them cope with life’s difficulties can be found by visiting.
MoodSpark
A place where young people aged 10-16 can learn how to look after their emotional and mental health and find ways to help them bounce back when life gets tough.
ChatHealth
Texting ChatHealth for support around physical and mental health on 07520 618850. The number is monitored Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Stonewall
Stonewall is Europe's largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) charity. It supports and empowers LGBT people to be who they are across society.
Stonewall
See Hear Respond
See Hear Respond is a new service through Barnardos developed to fill the widening gap for children and young people during COVID-19 who are at risk and/or experiencing adverse impact to their health and wellbeing. Free phone: 0800 157 7015 or Online self-referral on the website.
Sleep
Children’s Sleep Charity
Life can be difficult when your child has a sleep issue. Using a behavioural approach to sleep our aim is to support families to get a better night’s sleep.
Anti-Bullying
Our school is committed to developing an anti-bullying culture where the bullying of adults, children or young people is not tolerated in any form. The policy below outlines what the school will do to prevent and tackle all forms of bullying. The policy has been adopted with the involvement of the whole school community.
Should your child inform you they are being bullied, please contact their class teacher or form tutor via the school office or via email.
The following website provides useful advice to parents, carers and pupils regarding the steps to deal with bullying.
Coping with Self-Harm: a Guide for Parents and Carers
This guide was developed from talking to parents and carers of young people and is aimed at helping parents, carers, other family members and friends cope when a young person is self-harming. It includes information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person when facing this problem and what help is available.
