As a school we are supported by Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society, who provide our school counsellor

 Kerie Hammatt.  Kerie is in school on a Tuesday and Thursday morning working with individual pupils and families to support children’s emotional well-being and mental health. 

Kerie supports children with behaviour, anger management, emotions, social skills, bereavement, divorce and separation, anxiety and a whole range of other issues.  Sessions usually last from 6-12 weeks.  Kerie keeps in regular contact with parents and does sessions with parents as well as children.

BCCS also offer a variety of other services.  Please look at their website for further information.

https://www.bccs.org.uk/how-we-help/support-families/

If you think this is something your children or family would benefit from please speak to Mrs Westrop or contact Kerie directly at khammatt@bccs.org.uk

As a school we are supported by the NHS Mental Health Support Team.

They are a team of Education Mental Health Practitioners who are working in schools as part of the Government’s national plans to support mental health in schools. They aim to support schools and parents to improve children’s emotional wellbeing and build resilience.

They work with parents whose child may be struggling with: Difficult or challenging behaviour (up to age 11)

Does your child struggle to follow rules? Struggle with temper tantrums? Have difficulty following requests?

Mild anxiety (any age - primary school)

Does your child seem nervous and easily frightened? Does your child worry a lot? Does your child need continual reassurance?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to any or all of these questions then they may be able to help you!

What do they offer parents?

We can meet with you for up to 8 weekly sessions of support (individually or in groups) to provide information, advice, guidance and tips on how to support your child with their behaviour or their anxiety.

We aim to provide you with new skills that will help your child to manage challenges, regulate their emotions and build confidence.

If you would like further information, please speak to Mrs Westrop.

The School Wellbeing Service is a team of practitioners who have a diverse range of experience, skills and knowledge of working with children, young people and their families.

We will work in partnership with schools and academies to empower them to efficiently and effectively support students who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

There are many excellent examples of existing practice in schools. We will integrate, embed and strengthen existing commissioned initiatives on mental health and provide training and support to school staff and Parents/Carers.

We are aware that increasing pressure is being placed on schools to cope with emerging mental health difficulties.

We will deliver evidence-based training sessions to selected staff to enable them to provide effective emotional support for students.

Staff will be given the opportunity to engage in reflective discussions to encourage best practise and improve staff wellbeing. 

We encourage schools to identify a team of student Mental Health Champions. We will work closely with these students to empower them to champion positive mental health among their peers.

Schools can access our service to promote mental health and wellbeing to Parents/carers in an educational or supportive setting, for example, workshops or coffee mornings.