At Campton Academy we place a strong emphasis on the emotional well-being of our pupils. We believe developing our pupil’s self-confidence and resilience will enable them to develop the skills needed to grow into successful adults who can overcome life’s challenges. Our carefully designed PSHE schemes of work, excellent pastoral support and extra-curricular opportunities help us to achieve this aim.

It is normal for children (and adults) to experience mental health problems and / or emotional difficulties. These difficulties can arise following a specific event such as a bereavement or change in living arrangements or be part of a long term condition. School age children may express their feelings in a variety of ways: 

• Becoming more angry or upset than usual. 
• Wanting to be alone / withdrawing from others
• Having difficulties getting to or staying asleep
• Increased friendship difficulties
• Regressing with toileting other self-care tasks
• Wanting an adult to be near them
• Biting nails
• Not wanting to take part in activities they usually enjoy
• A change in eating habits
• Becoming fixated on particular routines / rituals which they believe will keep them safe.

In our experience, many problems can be overcome with the support of class teachers and other staff throughout the school. Mrs Allen, our pastoral lead, has a wealth of experience in supporting children through challenging times.

All staff at Campton, receive training to enable them to recognise and respond to children’s needs. Through assemblies and class work, we also ensure pupils know they can speak to any trusted adult in school or at home if something is worrying them. We find most issues can be resolved when children speak out and seek help. We will always encourage pupils to speak to their family and make contact ourselves if needed. We would strongly encourage parents to talk to school if their child makes them aware of a problem. Parents should also encourage their child to speak to someone in school as soon as a problem arises.  We believe working together is the most effective way to support our pupils.

If 1:1 support is needed pupils can access this through Mrs Allen, parents will need to complete a form giving permission for their child to receive ‘Time to Talk’. Once this has been received they will meet regularly with Mrs Allen to discuss their concerns. The approach will vary depending on individual circumstances and Mrs Allen will speak to parents and the child’s teacher as appropriate.

Further to this we can also signpost or refer parents to additional sources of support including:

• Parenting courses
• Sleep workshops
• Support from CHUMS
• Support from CAMHs
• JIGSAW – local authority behaviour support
• Completing an early help referral