Looking After Everyone’s Mental Health

At St Nicholas’ we aim to promote positive mental health for every pupil, parent/carer and member of staff.

We all have mental health, like we all have physical health and like with physical health there will be times in our lives when our mental health needs looking after.

1 in 10 children and young people will experience a mental health problem before the age of 16. That’s three students in an average-sized class. 1 in 4 adults will experience a mental health problem in any year. Even if a young person doesn’t experience mental health problems directly, the statistics above suggest they are likely to know someone who is affected. We must all take our mental health seriously and develop strategies to support ourselves and others when it is less than ideal.

At St Nicholas’ we believe that a child’s emotional health and well-being influences their cognitive development and learning, as well as their physical and social health and their mental well-being in adulthood.

By supporting and teaching skills to pupils and staff to increase their awareness of emotional health and well-being we are currently working towards obtaining a recognised wellbeing award.

All staff have a responsibility to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of pupils. Staff with a specific, relevant responsibility include:

Mr Dale and Mrs Turner - Designated Safeguarding Officers
Mrs Starmer-Smith - SENCO
Mrs Turner - Designated Mental Health Lead
Mrs Seiver - Learning Mentor & Youth Mental Health First Aider
Mrs Baker - FLO

One of the most significant things for parents or young people is that they know they can come to talk to someone if they are worried – whether it is about themselves or someone else. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you feel that you or someone you know would benefit from support.