We aim to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for our whole school community (children, staff, parents and carers), and recognise how important mental health and emotional wellbeing is to our lives in just the same way as physical health.

In an average classroom, three children will be suffering from a diagnosable mental health condition. By developing and implementing practical, relevant and effective mental health policies and procedures we can promote a safe and stable environment for the many students affected both directly, and indirectly by mental ill health.

“Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” (World Health Organization)

“Mental health influences how we think and feel about ourselves and others and how we interpret events. It affects our capacity to learn, to communicate and to form, sustain and end relationships. It also influences our ability to cope with change, transition and life events.’ (Dr Lynne Friedli-2004)

“10% children aged 5 – 16 years have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem and 50% of mental health problems are established by 14 years old”(data taken from www.mentalhealth.org.uk). 

Recent documents published by NHS England (Future in Mind and The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health) and research conducted by the YMCA have highlighted the challenges facing schools in accessing support and have reinforced the need for early intervention.

An essential aspect of good mental health is developing mental and emotional resilience.  Resilience can be defined as:

“…the ability to ‘bounce back’ from adversity.  Protective factors increase resilience, whereas risk factors increase vulnerability.  Resilient individuals, families and communities are more able to deal with difficulties and adversities than those with less resilience.” (UCL Institute of Healthy Equity, 2014)

At All Saints’, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our staff and student body. We are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and we all have a role to play. Therefore, this policy has two sections, section one regarding support we provide for children and section two staff procedures.

We pursue this aim using a 3-tier approach (Prevent- Target – Access) which we will explain later on in this policy. In addition to promoting positive mental health, we aim to recognise and respond to mental ill health.