We are very aware of the increasing prevalence of mental health issues in schools and we have various strategies in place to address this at Maiden Erlegh School in Reading.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Our personal development provision is delivered largely through weekly tutor sessions. These sessions cover a whole range of topics which include aspects of mental/emotional health and wellbeing. The link below shows an overview of the topics covered in our personal development schemes of work:

TOPICS

ASSEMBLIES

We cover aspects of emotional health in assemblies.  For example, Sixth Formers from Maiden Erlegh School have led assemblies about resilience and emotional wellbeing.

PASTORAL CARE

We pride ourselves on our high quality pastoral provision.  This means that all staff understand that they have a responsibility to monitor the wellbeing of students in their care.  Staff routinely share concerns about students with Heads of Year and where appropriate with Mrs James or Mr Johnson (Designated Safeguarding Officers).

We might respond to concerns raised in one of the following ways:

• a simple conversation with the student which is followed up at a later date
• a conversation with parents to share a concern
• regular appointments with a designated member of staff to discuss concerns and worries
• referral to a School Nurse - these are usually made when the concerns are around healthy eating, body image or sexual health
• in the event that we feel that a student is, or is at risk of becoming, mentally ill then we are likely to make a referral to CAMHS (Child and adolescent mental health service) in consultation with the parents

ACCESSING HELP AND SUPPORT AWAY FROM SCHOOL

We understand that some families prefer to access support away from school.  In this event we encourage parents to let the student's Head of Year in order that we are aware that there are some issues and so that we can be sensitive to them.  Families can access advice and support from:

• your GP will be able to advise and signpost you
• some GP surgeries offer 'Talking Therapy' which can be helpful
• counselling via No5
• Reading Parenting Support offer courses and advice on parenting teenagers
• Reading Youth offers support via a mental health booklet entitled 'Off the Record'
• Look out for fliers sent by email from school advertising local courses on emotional health in teenagers

NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

• Young Minds offer free, confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice, to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25.
• Samaritans offer advice on DEAL (Developing Emotional Awareness and Listening)
• MIND provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem
• Directory of Counsellors helps find a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist close to you