MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING

“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”

(John 10:10)

“Every child has the right to the best possible health.”

(United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 24)

Our Commitment

At St. Michael’s CE School, we are committed to creating a culture of care where every pupil, staff member, and family feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. We believe that mental health and wellbeing are fundamental to human flourishing and that every child has the right to be happy, safe, and supported. Inspired by this belief, we prioritise mental health as an essential part of school life, ensuring that our whole-school approach fosters wellbeing, resilience, and a supportive environment for all.

Our Approach

We recognise the challenges life presents and the need for additional emotional support at times. Our whole-school approach to mental health focuses on early intervention, awareness, and promoting positive wellbeing.

What We Do

• Promoting Emotional Wellbeing – We teach pupils about mental health, resilience, and self-care strategies through PSHE lessons, assemblies, and Wellbeing Weeks.

• Support & Guidance – Pupils are encouraged to talk about their feelings and seek support when needed. We equip them with the knowledge to recognise when to ask for help and what support is available.

• Physical Health & Mental Wellbeing – Pupils take part in two PE lessons per week, have access to a range of extra-curricular sports clubs, and engage in activities that promote an active and balanced lifestyle.

• Promoting Emotional Wellbeing – We teach pupils about mental health, resilience, and self-care through PSHE lessons, assemblies, and Wellbeing Weeks.

• Support & Guidance – Pupils are encouraged to express their feelings and seek help. We equip them with the knowledge to recognise when and how to ask for support.

• Physical Health & Wellbeing – Pupils take part in two weekly PE lessons and a variety of extra-curricular sports clubs to promote an active, healthy lifestyle.

• Peer Support – Our Wellbeing Ambassadors and Playground Champions help foster an inclusive and supportive school environment.

• Staff & Parent Support – We provide training, resources, and workshops to help staff and parents support children’s mental health.

• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) – Our trained ELSA offers structured sessions to help children develop resilience, self-regulation, and confidence.

Senior Mental Health Lead

Our Senior Mental Health Lead, Adele Stewart, oversees our mental health strategy, coordinates policy and activities, and ensures staff receive training in mental health awareness.

Staff Wellbeing Charter

We are committed to staff mental health through the DfE Staff Wellbeing Charter, prioritising mental health, reducing workload, and fostering career progression.

Support for Families

We recognise that supporting mental health is a community effort. Our Inclusion Team, including our Inclusion Manager and Nurture Assistant, helps families access early support strategies and external services.

Need Help?

For support, please visit our Mental Health Support and Resources page or contact Adele Stewart, our Senior Mental Health Lead.

Wandsworth Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): CAMHS provides assessment and treatment for young people experiencing emotional, behavioural, or mental health difficulties. They support issues such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, and more. Families can find more information and access services through the Wandsworth Council's website. https://swlstg.nhs.uk/wandsworth

Mental Health Support Teams in Schools: The South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust operates Mental Health Support Teams across numerous schools in Wandsworth. These teams offer early intervention and support within educational settings. Details about their services can be found on their website.
https://swlstg.nhs.uk/education-wellbeing-service 

Wandsworth Council – Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: The council provides resources and guidance to support mental health and wellbeing within schools, including toolkits and policy templates to promote a healthy school environment. Access these resources here.

https://wandsworth.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health/your-health/children-and-young-peoples-health/healthy-schools/mental-health-and-wellbeing-in-schools/

Wandsworth offers a range of mental health support services for children and young people, including CAMHS, which provides NHS assessment and treatment for emotional and behavioural difficulties, and Kooth, a free, anonymous online counselling service for ages 11 to 25. 

Free2B supports LGBTQ+ young people (13-18) with group sessions, one-to-one support, and a peer group for parents. Additional national resources include 

The Mix (mental health support via phone and online), YoungMinds (guidance on mental health topics), NHS Every Mind Matters (self-care and mental health guides), Beat Eating Disorders, Samaritans (helpline: 116 123), and Childline (0800 1111). https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health/your-health/mental-health/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health/