Our key focus as a school is to develop every child holistically. We strongly believe as a school community that for a child to flourish and reach their potential all their needs must be met. This incorporates the physical and mental wellbeing of every child. Many of the staff at SWR have received training in mental health with some staff undertaking more in-depth and specific training. Please take a look below to find out more about how we support those within our school community with their wellbeing.
Students
- Curriculum
All students receive a fortnightly Personal Development lesson, delivered by experienced staff. The curriculum explores a range of topics – many of which focus on physical and mental wellbeing (for example healthy eating and mindfulness). Such lessons, as well as wider lessons in the curriculum encourage the development and use of emotional literacy. Physical wellbeing is promoted as part of our PE and games programme, as well as our extra-curricular clubs.
- Visits
We regularly get visits from external agencies who deliver assemblies and workshops on mental wellbeing. Some recent examples have included the I Can & I Am bus (workshops focusing on building resilience and self-esteem), On the Level (an interactive workshop exploring the development of the teenage brain and mental wellbeing), Chelsea’s Choice (dramatized story exploring online safety) and performers who have reiterated messages around mental wellbeing and confidence.
- Pastoral Support
Wellbeing features termly in our assembly calendar and is supported on a weekly basis through our tutor team led by the Heads of Year.
- Additional Support
We recognise that some students will need further support with their wellbeing from time to time. We have a fantastic support package managed by our pastoral team. Depending on the need, support may be offered by our Inclusion Support Workers, students may be referred to our onsite counsellor or referred into external agencies.
- Interventions
Where we identify a need, we also offer a range of interventions such as SEMH weekly sessions, based upon the ‘Talk About’ scheme of work. We also have a dedicated quiet room at lunch time where students that feel a little overwhelmed can feel comfortable in a smaller space. Plus, we run trips to Westonbirt to build resilience and communication skills.
- Extra-Curricular
We recognise the importance of extra-curricular clubs and activities as part of that holistic development and the role that it plays in a child’s wellbeing. Therefore, we offer a range of different clubs to encourage participation and positive wellbeing. We even have 3 members of staff completing yoga training and are looking forward to offering this in the near future!
- School Council
Our school council is divided into four groups, one of the groups’ sole focus is health and wellbeing. Allowing students to drive and champion health and wellbeing in our school community.
Parents and carers
We are delighted that our school has been selected to take part in a new, national programme to help make mental health support for children and young people more available when they need it.
As well as the support that we offer in school we are now one of over 70 schools in Gloucestershire who are able to make referrals to access further in-school from NHS Mental Health Support Teams.
Mental Health Support Teams have been put into schools across Gloucestershire to tackle the challenges young people face, helping them to feel more resilient, arming them with techniques to look after themselves and strategies to help them cope better with life’s ups and downs. This may involve group work and/or individual, one-to-one support, either in school or elsewhere. Where appropriate, the Mental Health Support Team will also link up with the specialist mental health services in Gloucestershire.
The teams are made up of Education Mental Health Practitioners, Secondary Mental Health Workers, TiC+ Counsellors and Team Managers.
If you are concerned about your child and would like some support, please contact our School Mental Health Lead for an initial discussion. They will be in touch with our teams regularly.
For further information please see the attached guidance click here