At Highwoods, we support and promote positive mental health and wellbeing. This includes all pupils, staff and parents. 

Our Mental Health Champion is Ms Bradley, who is a qualified mental health ambassador. Ms Bradley works closely with Mrs Costanzo (SENCO) to oversee a wide range of support for our community. This includes:

• Qualified Thrive practitioners who support pupils with improving their self- esteem and confidence. 
• Access to qualified 1:1 counsellors through Child First (registered charity) who can support pupils and families with trauma, anxiety and emotional wellbeing 

• The school funds access for two fully qualified play therapists who support pupils with significant emotional and wellbeing needs 
• Access for all pupils to our Forest School provision-this includes a minimum of 6 weeks each year of outdoor learning
• Additional Forest school provision for pupils to enhance their self-esteem, social and emotional development and self-regulation. 
• A mental health and wellbeing policy which supports the whole community 
• A well-being charter, overseen by our Governing Body, which supports staff wellbeing and workload
• A nominated Governor who reviews staff wellbeing, including a staff survey every year
• Two purpose built rooms which support nurture and therapeutic clubs-this includes lunchtime clubs which support positive self-esteem and making friendships, as well as a quiet space to reflect and talk through feelings
• Clear representation of our school community through our reading books and learning environment. 

• Access to Amanda Rowe- a specialist in supporting families outside of school hours with any challenges that come in family life
• A fantastic curriculum which teaches children about how to stay safe, and look after their mental health. Examples include 'Crucial Crew', a charity that works with year 6 pupils to support their transition to secondary school, and 'messy church', a local church who work with Year 1 and 2 to develop emotional wellbeing. 
• Robust and clear policies for our parent community that reflect high expectations of conduct to staff and school
• Robust and clear policies for staff that reflect high levels of professionalism and integrity