At Abbey Court School we recognise the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing.

The school environment is positive and supportive. The staff and pupils work cohesively. Staff have good interpersonal skills which support them in being able to identify if someone is in need of support. The staff also have an expert knowledge of the pupils also which enables them to provide bespoke strategies.

The potential for learning, engaging and communicating is maximised when one has a regulated and calm state of mind.

Teaching strategies for self-regulation, mindfulness and recognition of the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of each individual is woven into and embedded in the school in a multitude of ways, including the PSHE curriculum, pupil voice, behaviour strategies, and reflection times in class. Pupils also benefit from access to resources such as the school farm and sensory room.

At Abbey Court, we are happy to have  an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) to support individual pupils with targeted support.

We are proud to have been awarded the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools ‘School Mental Health Award’ - Gold Status. This award is in recognition of the amazing work we do here at Abbey Court School in supporting our whole school community with their ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing.’ We are one of only 16 special schools in the country to have achieved this award at the highest level.

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools is focused on evidence-based solutions which address schools', pupils and parents/carers needs; the development of a professional community of school mental health experts; and leading innovation within the area.

The Department for Education recognises the direct link between positive mental health in schools and successful educational outcomes. The Mental Health Award for Schools builds on this link and provides a framework for educational institutions to evidence policies and initiatives that work towards improving emotional health and wellbeing for both staff and pupils.

Attaining the award helps to:

• Create a culture of an awareness of mental health, tolerance and acceptance, helping to reduce behavioural problems and promotes positive mental health strategies.

• Improve community wellbeing for all.

• Provides an opportunity for the school to identify its own priorities and areas for development using the framework.

• Addresses all mental health needs of the school community; Pupils, staff and parents!

• Increases staff retention rates meaning continuity of care and attract high calibre staff.

• Demonstrates commitment to adhere to and exceed professional and government guidance.

• Allows specific professional development opportunities for all levels of staff.

• Our termly newsletter provides regular updates with information about our progress, tips to support mental health and wellbeing and signposting to services which we hope all stakeholders of Abbey Court School will find useful.

Our Schools Mental Health Lead is Jessica Stedman who can be contacted via the school office.