Student Mental Health & Wellbeing

At Queen’s Croft High School, we are deeply committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of every pupil. We aim to create a safe, open and inclusive environment where pupils feel able to talk about their emotions and access the help they need. Our whole‑school approach combines early identification, high‑quality pastoral care, trained staff and strong partnerships with families and external agencies.

A Whole‑School Culture of Support

Mental health is promoted across daily school life through:

PSHE lessons, assemblies and tutor time
Class‑based strategies such as worry boxes and circle time
Mental Health Awareness Week activities

These approaches help pupils build healthy coping strategies, challenge stigma and better understand their own emotional wellbeing.

Early Identification and Monitoring

All staff are trained to notice early warning signs when a pupil may be struggling—such as changes in mood, attendance or behaviour—and concerns are quickly shared with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Mental Health Lead. The school also uses wellbeing assessments, such as strengths and difficulties questionnaires, to ensure pupils receive support promptly.

A Clear Process for Sharing Concerns

If a pupil shares a worry or makes a disclosure, staff respond calmly and sensitively, focusing on the pupil’s immediate emotional and physical safety. Disclosures are recorded and passed to the safeguarding or mental health lead, and confidentiality is managed with care. Pupils are always supported to understand what information must be shared and why.

Support for students

*Universal support for all students*	*Targeted Internal interventions*	*External specialist support*
Open discussions about mental health Pastoral care Safe classroom spaces Calming rooms Zones of regulation Restorative practices Signposting for online tools and community services Mental health focus weeks	Adaptive timetabling Time-out sessions Nurture groups Lego therapy ELSA Talk for drawing Exam stress groups Low-intensity counselling Listening service Targeted trusted adult Safety plans/medical health assessments	GPs or paediatricians CAMHS Local counselling services Mental health charities such as Young Minds, Kooth, Dove or Samaritans AoC - Counselling

Working Closely with Families

We work in partnership with parents and carers by:

Sharing any concerns we have
Encouraging families to share changes in their child’s wellbeing
Offering guidance and signposting to useful resources
Collaborating on Individual Healthcare Plans where appropriate

This ensures pupils receive consistent support both at home and in school.

Supporting Peers

When pupils are affected by a friend’s mental health difficulties, we offer guidance on how to support safely, recognise warning signs and seek their own help when needed.

Staff Training and Wellbeing

All staff receive training in recognising mental health needs, responding to concerns and following safeguarding procedures. The school also places strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, offering supportive supervision and a positive working environment.

Student support

safe.pdf

Mental Health Policy