Mental health really means the state of your emotional wellbeing, which affects how you think, feel and behave. Having good mental health means more than just not having a mental health disorder; it means that you are able to make the most of your life, reach your potential and cope with the ups and downs of life.

At Flanshaw JIN we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our staff and all pupils. We pursue this aim using both universal, whole school approaches and specialised, targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable pupils.

We access support from Educational Psychologists and Mental Health Practitioners via the Local Authority. This includes a scheme called 'Future in Mind'. These services are free but limited to referrals by school, where mental health is affecting learning. Parents who have concerns about their child’s mental health at home should let us know, but also approach their GP in the usual way.

We are committed to supporting and enhancing every child’s emotional health and wellbeing as they grow and mature. We offer a whole school approach to Personal, Social and Health Education, delivered via assemblies and during class time in PSHE lessons. In addition, we have a large pastoral team which consists of the SENCO, an Attendance Officer, Nurture workers, Behaviour Support Workers and a Parent Support Worker.

Our SENCo, Mrs Wilkinson, is our Senior Mental Health lead and our PSHE lead, Mrs Page and our School Business manager, Mrs Heald are also a ‘Mental Health First Aiders’. This team may provide a more specialist bespoke individual or small group intervention which provides support for pupils and staff  who are struggling with the complexities and difficulties of the modern world.

We are also lucky to have two qualified ELSA (emotional, literacy, support assistants), Ms Prinsloo and Mrs Wakefield, who work 1:1 with lots of children in school in our lovely ELSA room.