Mental Health First Aiders:

• Natasha Hayden
• Ella Saunders 

If a parent feels that their child needs mental health support, this is what they should do:

1. If a parent believes their child may need additional support at school, they are encouraged to first consult their GP to ensure any medical needs are appropriately addressed.

2. Parents should then contact their child’s Head of Year to explain the difficulties their child is experiencing in school. Where appropriate, this information will be shared with the school’s Mental Health team, comprising Mrs Hayden and Miss Saunders. A member of the team will contact the parent to discuss the concerns and outline the support available.

3. An Internal Support Referral will then be completed. A staff member who knows the child well (such as the Form Tutor or Head of Year) will complete the first section, and parents will be asked to complete the second. This can be done over the phone with Mrs Hayden or Miss Saunders. The form needs to be returned to these members of staff. 

4. Miss McHugh, Mrs Hayden, Miss Saunders, and Mr Lawn will review the referral during a Pastoral Triage Meeting to ensure the most appropriate support is put in place.

5. Parents will be notified of the outcome by email, along with any relevant guidance, signposting, or information to share with their child. Please be aware that waiting lists may apply, but that your child will be offered a provision at the soonest time possible. 

We offer the following Mental Health support in school:

• Head of Year/ Form Tutor/ DSL/ Mental Health Team check-ins – Informal weekly check-ins with a member of staff, usually during breaktime, lunchtime or PSHE. 
• Mentoring – 20 minutes per week with a longstanding member of staff via Zoom in a confidential space within the school. Mrs Carroll can support with revision, organisation, wellbeing, friendships and more. Students receive an email on Monday evenings, and a slip before their appointment. Mentoring can continue until the student, Mrs Carroll or the Mental Health Team feel that sessions can end (parents will be advised of this by Miss Saunders). 
• Drawing and Talking - Weekly 30-minute sessions of art therapy with Miss Saunders. 
• Counselling – 45 minutes with a qualified counsellor in a safe, confidential space in school. This is the highest level of support offered at school. 

Please be aware that if a child makes a disclosure or alludes to a safeguarding concern during a session, it is policy for a DSL/DDSL to contact a parent urgently.