Mental Health & Wellbeing

At Brookfield School, we place the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that wellbeing underpins learning, relationships and personal development, and we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where every pupil feels valued, understood and able to thrive. Our approach is rooted in strong relationships, early intervention and a belief that every child can develop the skills and confidence needed to manage challenges and achieve positive outcomes. 

Our Approach 

We promote positive mental health every day through a culture of care, connection and consistency. Staff work closely with pupils to understand their individual needs and to help them develop emotional resilience, self-regulation and a sense of belonging. Pupils have access to safe, calm spaces around school where they can reflect, regulate and talk with trusted adults when they need support. Our pastoral and wellbeing systems ensure that pupils feel listened to and that any concerns are responded to quickly and effectively. 

Key Staff and Support 

Mental health and wellbeing is overseen by Rachel Sharp (PSD Lead) who guides an experienced staff team who work as part of our wider safeguarding and pastoral team. Provision Leads, pastoral staff and the school’s Mental Health Lead (RS) work together to monitor pupil wellbeing, offer guidance and provide appropriate support. This may include check-ins with key adults, targeted emotional support, wellbeing plans or personalised strategies to help pupils manage feelings, behaviour and relationships. Parents and carers are encouraged to get in touch if they are worried about their child or need advice. A member of the pastoral team will always respond and offer guidance. 

Interventions and Specialist Support 

Some pupils benefit from more focused wellbeing support. Depending on need, this may include one-to-one sessions, small-group work, emotional literacy development, social skills programmes, behaviour regulation strategies or therapeutic input from external partners. We work closely with professionals such as CAMHS, Educational Psychologists, school nurses, Early Help teams and other specialist services to ensure that pupils receive the right help at the right time. Working collaboratively allows us to provide comprehensive support and respond effectively to emerging or complex needs. Our weekly PDSI meetings focus upon pupil wellbeing and addresses any concerns or needs. 

Wellbeing in the Curriculum 

Wellbeing is embedded throughout the curriculum and wider school life. Through PSHE, RSHE, tutor time and themed activities, pupils learn about emotions, relationships, coping strategies, healthy lifestyles and keeping themselves safe. We use assemblies, workshops and enrichment opportunities to promote confidence, self-esteem and positive mental health. Our aim is to equip pupils with the understanding and skills needed to navigate life beyond school with resilience and optimism. 

Working in Partnership with Families 

We believe that supporting wellbeing is a shared responsibility. We work closely with parents and carers, offering regular communication, advice and reassurance. Families are encouraged to talk to us if they have concerns about their child’s emotional health. We understand that difficulties can arise at home or outside school, and we will always work collaboratively to provide support and guidance. When needed, we help families access external services or additional help through Early Help or other community partners. 

Accessing Help and Raising Concerns 

If parents or carers are worried about a pupil’s wellbeing, they should contact their child’s Provision Lead or a member of the pastoral team. Concerns are taken seriously and responded to promptly. In urgent situations, we will work with families and relevant agencies to ensure a child’s safety and wellbeing are prioritised. If a pupil is at immediate risk of harm, families should contact emergency services or crisis mental health support without delay. Pupils, parents and carers have a dedicated contact email that is monitored by school leaders: staysafe@brookfield56.lancs.sch.uk  

Additional Support and Signposting 

To ensure all families have access to help beyond the school, we provide information about local and national support services. These may include CAMHS, the Lancashire Mental Health Helpline, Young Minds, Samaritans, Childline, Kooth and other organisations that offer advice, online support or crisis intervention. Details of these services are available from school on request. 

A Whole-School Commitment 

Brookfield School is proud to promote a culture where mental health is understood, wellbeing is prioritised and no pupil feels alone. We remain committed to supporting every child to feel safe, confident and ready to learn, and we work tirelessly to ensure that pupils have trusted adults, positive relationships and meaningful strategies to support their mental health both now and in the future. Staff follow a comprehensive CPD programme linked to wellbeing and have access to local networks and areas of expertise.