The mental health and wellbeing of all #Crew members at Discovery is fundamental to our philosophy and ethos of being ‘dreamers, believers and achievers’. We all have mental health, and it is important students learn how to maintain good mental health and wellbeing.

Research indicates that poor mental health can significantly undermine educational attainment. It has been observed that a considerable number of students with emotional and conduct disorders tend to fall behind academically, often missing school or facing exclusion. Alarmingly, one in ten children and young people aged 5 to 16 have a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder, while around one in seven face less severe challenges. It is therefore vital that, together, we create a supportive environment that nurtures the mental health and wellbeing of our #DiscoveryCrew community.

Supporting students:

Mental health and wellbeing is a very varied and complex area and there are no quick-fixed solutions. Maintaining every day, regular routines wherever possible, such as, attending school and lessons whilst managing mental health is key. The school offers a range of services to help students develop positive mental health and wellbeing and support those experiencing mental health issues. These are:

• Class teams, as well as the well-being team, are well-placed to spot changes in behaviour that might indicate a problem and offer support and guidance. Many things can cause a change in mental health, including traumatic events (e.g. loss or separation, life changes, abuse, domestic violence or bullying).
• Personal Development curriculum includes mental health and wellbeing topics within PSHE, in order to raise awareness and understanding and provide strategies for developing positive emotional health and wellbeing and managing mental health.
• Personal Development has the flexibility to focus on developing children’s resilience, confidence, and ability to learn.
• The Wellbeing Team lead on mental health and wellbeing across the school, offering support, guidance and targeted intervention.
• Mindfulness is encouraged and students have access to the calm app, as well as a range of mindfulness exercises. 
• Constructive links with outside support and specialist agencies (e.g., Unravel, MAST, CAMHS) to provide interventions for those with mental health problems.

 

At Discovery, students also have access to:

Referrals:

Any member of staff, student, parents/carers concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of a student should speak to the student’s class teacher about their concerns. They will monitor and support them, and refer to the Wellbeing Team and/or outside agencies as appropriate.

Our wellbeing team consists of:

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Clare Hodgkinson

Designated Safeguarding Deputies: Jo Higgins and Courtney Bell (Mat Leave)

Behaviour Lead: Emma Bennett

 

Useful Links for Mental Health and Wellbeing: