Mental Health Strategy

Supporting Confidence, Resilience and Self-Esteem: A Holistic Approach

At Brentford School for Girls, we are committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of all our students. We aim to help every young person develop confidence, resilience and positive self-esteem, enabling them to manage challenges, build positive relationships and achieve their potential.

We take a holistic, whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Support is embedded throughout school life through tutor time, assemblies, our PSHCE programme, themed Wellbeing Weeks and targeted interventions. We work together to create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and able to seek help when needed.

Our school learning values underpin this approach:

• Ambitious
• Confident
• Flexible
• Inquisitive
• Reflective

 

Our Wellbeing Provision

We recognise the importance of identifying students' needs early and providing appropriate support. Each academic year, students complete the whole-school pupil survey through Edurio. Where responses indicate that a student may benefit from additional support, their Head of Year or the Inclusion Team will consider appropriate interventions.

Our wellbeing provision includes:

• Tutor time and assemblies throughout the academic year.
• Themed Wellbeing Weeks, held once every half-term.
• The PSHCE and BLOSSOM curricula.
• Pastoral support from staff assigned to individual year groups.
• The No Worries school nurse drop-in service.
• Support from our safeguarding and pastoral teams.
• Peer support through Student HUB Ambassadors, friendship groups and student leadership teams.

Students may also be referred by their Head of Year for additional support, including THRIVE, LVA Trust resilience groups, individual mentoring or one-to-one counselling with an external provider.

The support offered is tailored to students' individual needs, helping them develop coping strategies, strengthen relationships and build confidence in a supportive environment.

 

Targeted Support and Interventions

 

LVA (Loved, Valued, Able) Trust

LVA Trust is a charity that has worked with Brentford School for Girls since the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

The charity delivers age-appropriate workshops and one-to-one mentoring to support and empower young people. Its work focuses on helping students recognise their strengths, develop positive relationships, build resilience and feel loved, valued and able to achieve their potential.

Students may be offered places in LVA resilience groups as part of our targeted support for developing confidence and self-esteem.

THRIVE and Counselling

Students who need additional emotional or mental health support may be referred to THRIVE or offered one-to-one counselling through an external provider.

These interventions provide opportunities for students to explore their feelings, develop coping strategies and access appropriate support. Referrals are made through the relevant pastoral staff or Head of Year.

Mentoring and Peer Support

Our pastoral staff, trained safeguarding team, Student HUB Ambassadors, friendship groups and student leadership teams contribute to a supportive school community.

Through appropriate mentoring and peer support, students can develop a sense of belonging, strengthen their social skills and build positive relationships with others.

Pet Therapy

Brentford School for Girls offers weekly pet therapy sessions every Friday with Rudi, our eight-year-old Cockapoo, who works alongside a Learning Support Assistant.

These planned, structured small-group sessions provide students with an enjoyable and calming environment in which to develop skills in responsibility, empathy and nurturing. Pet therapy can help students feel more relaxed, develop social skills and build confidence and self-esteem.

Positive interactions with animals may also help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and support emotional wellbeing.

Introducing a dog into a school environment requires careful planning and appropriate safeguards. A thorough risk assessment has been completed, and further information is available in our Dog Policy. Rudi has been selected for his calm temperament and suitability for working with students. Sessions are supervised and structured to support the safety and wellbeing of both students and Rudi.

Our Whole-School Approach to Mental Health

Children and young people spend a significant amount of their time at school. This places schools in an important position to promote emotional wellbeing, recognise potential difficulties and provide timely support.

At Brentford School for Girls, we understand that good mental health is closely linked to learning, relationships, attendance and wider life outcomes. Developing social and emotional skills can help students manage challenges, cope with change and build resilience.

Our approach focuses on:

• Early identification: recognising signs that a student may be experiencing emotional distress or mental health difficulties.
• Prevention: helping students develop the knowledge, skills and strategies needed to support their wellbeing.
• Timely intervention: providing appropriate support when concerns arise.
• Inclusion and belonging: creating an environment in which students feel safe, respected and valued.
• Partnership working: strengthening relationships with families, local services and other professionals to help students access appropriate support.

A whole-school approach involves everyone in our community, including students, parents and carers, teachers, support staff, volunteers and school leaders. It also means ensuring that our policies, systems and everyday practices promote positive mental health.

We recognise that academic pressures and examinations can affect students' emotional wellbeing. We therefore aim to balance academic aspirations with appropriate support for students' social, emotional and mental health needs.

We are working towards the School's Mental Health Award with the Trauma Informed Schools Society as part of our ongoing commitment to developing and strengthening our provision.

Resilience and the Curriculum

Resilience is the ability to manage challenges, adapt to change and recover from difficult experiences. We aim to help students develop these skills throughout their time at school.

Through our curriculum, pastoral provision and wider school activities, students are encouraged to understand their emotions, develop healthy relationships, make informed decisions and seek help when they need it.

Our PSHCE programme and the wider curriculum provide opportunities to explore topics relating to emotional wellbeing, mental health, relationships, personal safety and healthy lifestyles.

We recognise that classroom learning is only one part of effective mental health provision. It works alongside our pastoral support, targeted interventions, family partnerships and links with external services to ensure that students can access help when needed.

Resources for Pupils

We want all students to know where they can find reliable information and how to access support for their mental health and wellbeing.

The following resources are available to help students understand their feelings and develop positive coping strategies:

• Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide — information and guidance to help students look after their emotional wellbeing.
• Coping with Self-Harm — guidance for students who are experiencing self-harm or are concerned about someone else.
• Mindfulness — resources to help students practise mindfulness and develop strategies for managing stress.
• Talking and Thinking About My Mental Health — watch the video on YouTube.

Students who are worried about their own wellbeing or that of a friend are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult, their tutor, Head of Year or a member of the safeguarding or pastoral team.

Resources for Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting children's emotional wellbeing. Maintaining open, regular conversations can help young people feel comfortable discussing their feelings, concerns and experiences.

Talking to Your Child About Social Media and the Internet

The internet offers many opportunities for children and young people to learn, explore interests, play games and stay connected with friends and family. However, online experiences can also affect mental health and wellbeing.

We encourage parents and carers to have regular, age-appropriate conversations with their children about internet use and social media. Talking openly about online experiences, privacy, online friendships and potential risks can help children develop safe and positive digital habits.

Useful Links and Guidance

• YoungMinds — information and support for young people and parents concerned about mental health.
• Calderdale Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service Guide for Families — family guidance on emotional health and wellbeing.

Circle: Support for Children and Young People in Crisis

Circle is a service provided by Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind for children and young people aged 5–18 who are experiencing acute emotional distress and need support.

Young people and families can contact the service for advice and support.

• Email: circleteam@hfehmind.org.uk
• Telephone: 0203 4750 060
• Address: Circle, 46 South Ealing Road, Ealing
• Website: Circle – Children's Hub

If a child or young person is experiencing immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, contact emergency services.

Working Together to Support Every Student

At Brentford School for Girls, we believe that every student deserves to feel safe, supported and valued. By promoting positive mental health, developing resilience and providing appropriate support at the earliest opportunity, we aim to help our students thrive both in school and beyond.