Mental Health and Wellbeing
“Wellbeing runs through the fabric of so much that is thought and said and done at Adelaide School. Simple practices which are commonplace to staff and pupils in the school would stand out elsewhere as exemplary.” Pooky Knightsmith, 2019
The ethos and values at Adelaide school are Trauma and mental Health informed, we value individuals. The relationships are at the heart of the school with staff, pupils and parents able to share and communicate any issues around wellbeing.
We have invested in staff training around mental health, trauma, wellbeing and interventions. We have several mental health first aiders trained and there is also ongoing support for them. There is also a team of staff who are trained to help pupils with their mental health. The overarching staff Wellbeing team also work hard to promote wellbeing and mental health through awareness raising and general activities across the school.
You can also see the school mental health action plan HERE.
If a pupil is struggling with their mental health and well-being, a range of strategies may be put in place including having a quiet place to go, having time with emotionally available adults (EAA's) or going on walks. We have staff who can complete Sensory Circuits, ELSI sessions, drawing and talking, Lego therapy, mindfulness etc. We may utilise some of these opportunities with the pupil. However, this would be communicated with the parent and they would be invited to support and share with us.
We are also now working in partnership with VISYON and have a counsellor in school once a week.
Mental health and well-being are built into PSHE and life skills curriculums. Although there is a long term PSHE plan in place this is flexible and we develop our plans to meet the needs of the pupils all of the time. We are very reflective and know our pupils exceptionally well. Other subjects cover mental health and well-being to maximise opportunities for discussion. We hold an annual well-being week and observe Mental Health Day in October, with whichever theme it is annually. These National days help to focus on pupils understanding of mental health and well-being and learning positive habits to stay mentally well.
