The Department for Education (DfE) recognises that: “schools have a role to play in supporting [children] to be resilient and mentally healthy”. At Bramhall High we believe children’s mental health is a crucial factor in their overall wellbeing and impacts significantly upon their learning, relationships and outcomes in later life. To support good mental health, we have invested in a wellbeing centre (Thrive) and a highly trained Wellbeing Mentor. Thrive is a place where children can access 1:1 or group support from adults and peers. It also provides a quiet space during social times where children can meet with friends, talk through any worries to our SOS Ambassadors or escape to another world via our VR headsets. 

Bramhall High is a nurturing and supportive environment where community and belonging are valued. Form tutors are trained in Emotion Coaching (to help children manage and regulate their emotions) and in Living Life to the Full (a CBT approach to helping children self-manage their wellbeing). Pastoral staff have extensive training in many aspects of mental health and wellbeing and a number of staff are trained in Suicide First Aid. 

Our Form Time and assembly programmes supports the development of resilience and positive self-esteem and, our PSHE programme, helps prepare children for times of change and stress, teaches them about maintaining positive mental health, facilitates open discussion to reduce stigma surrounding mental ill health issues, and ensures children know how to access support both in and outside school.