Mental Health and Wellbeing at Christ the King

Our Approach to Wellbeing

• Preventative – creating a positive, nurturing environment for all
• Relational – built on strong, trusted relationships with adults
• Inclusive – recognising that every child’s needs are different
• Supportive – offering early help before difficulties escalate

Support for Children

Everyday Support for All Children

• A calm, welcoming and nurturing school environment
• Clear routines and boundaries
• Trusted adults available throughout the day
• PSHE and wellbeing learning embedded into the curriculum
• Regular opportunities for pupil voice

Targeted and Individual Support

• Anxiety or emotional regulation
• Friendships and peer relationships
• Family change or adversity
• Bereavement or loss
• Emotional‑based school avoidance (EBSA)

• One‑to‑one sessions with a trusted adult
• Small‑group wellbeing interventions
• Nurture‑based support
• Individual support plans developed with families

Pupil and Family Support Coordinator

• Direct work with children
• Pastoral support for families
• Early Help and multi‑agency work
• Support for children with safeguarding or welfare concerns
• Guidance for staff working with vulnerable pupils

Peer Mentors and Drop‑In Support

• Offer informal support to other pupils
• Provide a listening ear in a safe, supervised environment
• Help promote kindness, empathy and inclusion

Working with Caritas

• One‑to‑one therapeutic support
• Small‑group wellbeing sessions
• Targeted work with children facing complex challenges

Support for Young Carers

• Identification and sensitive support planning
• Access to Caritas one‑to‑one or group support
• Opportunities to connect with peers with similar experiences
• Recognition and celebration of young carers’ strengths

Supporting Attendance and Wellbeing

We recognise the strong link between mental health, wellbeing and attendance.

When children struggle to attend school due to anxiety or emotional needs, we work closely with families to:

• Understand underlying concerns
• Offer emotional and pastoral support
• Put supportive, graduated plans in place
• Work with external professionals where appropriate

Our focus is always on support and reintegration, not pressure.

Support for Families

We believe supporting families supports children.

We can:

• Offer advice and guidance
• Signpost to external services
• Support Early Help referrals (find out more, or self-refer here)
• Work with families during challenging times

Open and early communication with school helps us respond quickly and effectively.

Support for Staff

Staff wellbeing matters too. We support staff wellbeing through:

• Regular safeguarding and pastoral supervision
• Access to professional guidance
• A culture of teamwork and shared responsibility
• Clear systems for managing concerns

This ensures staff feel supported, confident and able to care for others effectively.

Safeguarding and Mental Health

Safeguarding is at the heart of our wellbeing work.

Concerns about a child’s mental health may also be safeguarding concerns. All staff are trained to recognise signs of distress and know how to raise concerns promptly and appropriately.

When Should I Contact School?

You may wish to contact school if you notice:

• Changes in your child’s mood or behaviour
• Increased anxiety or worries about school
• Difficulties with friendships or social situations
• A significant change at home or within the family
• Attendance concerns linked to emotional wellbeing

Early contact helps us provide timely and effective support.

How to Get Help

If you are worried about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, please contact school. We are always happy to listen and support.

Pupil and Family Support Coordinator: Mrs Wolfenden can be contacted via Class Dojo or email: contact@christtheking.manchester.sch.uk

This page reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our whole school community.