Wellbeing & Mental Health

Wellbeing and Mental Health

At Coombe Hill Junior School we believe that emotional wellbeing is the foundation for learning, confidence and positive relationships. We are committed to creating a school where every child feels safe, valued and able to talk openly about their feelings. Supporting mental health is a whole school responsibility and is woven through our curriculum, culture and daily practice.

Our whole school approach

We promote wellbeing in many ways, including:

• assemblies that explore emotions, resilience and problem solving

• PSHE lessons that teach pupils how to recognise and manage their feelings

• a calm, nurturing environment shaped by our attachment aware and trauma informed practice

• safe and inclusive playtimes through our OPAL programme

• strong relationships between staff and pupils so children always have a trusted adult to talk to

Mrs Englefield is our trained Mental Health Lead and oversees our work across the school. Staff receive regular training which helps them understand children’s emotional needs and respond with empathy and consistency.

Targeted support in school

Some pupils need more personalised support and we provide this through our ELSA team. Emotional Literacy Support Assistants offer one to one or small group sessions to help pupils build confidence, manage emotions, develop friendships and cope with worries or challenges. Our ELSA room is a calm and welcoming space where children can talk, reflect and practise useful strategies.

Working with the Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

We are proud to work closely with the Mental Health Support Team (MHST), a school based CAMHS service that focuses on early intervention and prevention. The MHST provides evidence based support and helps us strengthen our whole school approach to wellbeing.

The MHST offers:

• one to one support for pupils with mild to moderate anxiety or emotional needs

• small group interventions on topics such as resilience, friendships and transition

• whole class sessions linked to wellbeing and emotional literacy

• consultations for staff and families

• signposting to additional services where needed

• workshops and webinars for families to help them support their child at home

This partnership ensures children receive timely and appropriate support and that families feel guided and included throughout the process.

Working together with families

We recognise the importance of working closely with families to support wellbeing. If you have concerns about your child’s mental health or would like to request a consultation with the MHST, you can make a parent self referral using the link below. The inclusion team is always available to listen, offer guidance and discuss next steps.

Further information

You can explore a range of local, national and online support services through the links on this page. 

If you would like to talk to someone in school about your child’s wellbeing, please contact the inclusion team or speak to your child’s class teacher. Together we can help every child feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

Local provision

Achieving for Children Emotional Health Service

The Emotional Health Service (EHS) is a team of therapists that work with young people and their families who have mild to moderate health difficulties.  EHS is a Tier 2 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).  

Web: https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/young-people/information-and-advice/emotional-health-service/about-the-emotional-health-service

Health Watch Kingston                                                                                                                                      

Health Watch Kingston provides a list of local mental health services available to residents and the contact details for these. 

Web: https://www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/mental-health-services  

Mind in Kingston

A charity affiliated with Mind, to ensure that all residents in Kingston expereincing mental health issues can access support and advice.  They provide a range of services designed to support people to maintain and improve their mental wellbeing, increase their self-esteem and increase their self-confidence. 

Web: http://www.mindinkingston.org.uk/ 

I Cope

An NHS service offering free, confidential help with problems such as stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.  

Web: https://www.icope.nhs.uk/kingston/

National provision

You can also access support from the following charities:

Young Minds

Young Minds is the UK's leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

Young Minds Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (9.30 to 4.00pm, Mon- Fri)

web: www.youngminds.org.uk

Free, confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice, to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25.

Papyrus

Papyrus is the UK Charity for the prevention of young suicide.

Call: 0800 068 41 41 Text: 0778 620 9697 (10-10 Mon-Fri, 2-10 Sat-Sun)

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Web: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ 

Beat - Eating disorder advice

Beat provides a helpline for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders and difficulties with food, weight and shape. 

Adults over 18 including parents, teachers or concerned adults

Helpline: 0345 634 1414 - . (Mon-Wed, 1pm-4pm)

web: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ 

FRANK - Addiction advice

Talk to Frank provides information and support relating to drugs and addiction. 

0300 123 6600 (UK), 24 hours a day

SMS: 82111 - Need a quick answer? Text a question and FRANK will text you back.

website: www.talktofrank.com

Samaritans

Provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. 

Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)

Website: www.samaritans.org

Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line

Provides expert advice and information to people with mental health problems and those who care for them, as well as giving help to health professionals, employers and staff. 

Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (9.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday)

Website: http://www.rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice

Saneline

Saneline is a national mental health helpline providing information and support to people with mental health problems and those who support them.

Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm-10:30pm)

Website: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline

ChildLine

ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor for free about anything - no problem is too big or too small.

Telephone: 0800 1111

Website: www.childline.org.uk

Apps

The following Apps can be downloaded and installed onto mobile phones and tablets to provide regular and on the go support.