Our vision:

Cardinal Newman Catholic School is committed to promoting and protecting emotional wellbeing and mental health in our whole school community; this includes staff, students and parents/carers. The wellbeing of our students and staff is at the heart of all that we do.

To achieve our vision, we will:

• Promote positive mental health for all
• Support the emotional wellbeing of our staff and students
• Increase understanding and awareness of common mental health issues
• Ensure that mental health problems are identified early, and appropriate support provided
• Tailor our interventions to match the needs of our students and staff
• Develop the curriculum and teaching to optimise mental health and wellbeing
• Work with the NHS and external agencies to promote young people’s health and wellbeing
• Seek to engage the whole-school community in the importance of good mental health and wellbeing

 

Key contacts:

Designated safeguarding Lead: Mr Lowe (thomas.lowe@hccmac.co.uk)

Deputy designated safeguarding lead: Mrs Galvin (deborah.galvin@hccmac.co.uk)

Safeguarding support: Miss Wastell-Mann (beth.wastell-mann@hccmac.co.uk)

Safeguarding email inbox: cns_safeguarding@hccmac.co.uk

Senior Mental Health & Wellbeing lead: Mrs Scanlon (sarah.scanlon@hccmac.co.uk)

 

What is mental health and wellbeing?

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Wellbeing is a broader concept that includes mental health, but also covers physical health, relationships, sense of purpose, and overall life satisfaction.

Together, mental health and wellbeing are about feeling good emotionally, coping with challenges, building positive relationships, and being able to enjoy life.

Why Is Mental Health and Wellbeing Important for Students?

1. Academic Success
   Good mental health helps students concentrate, stay motivated, and perform better in school.
2. Emotional Resilience
   It supports students in managing stress, anxiety, and pressure—especially during exams or social challenges.
3. Healthy Relationships
   Positive wellbeing encourages kindness, empathy, and better communication with peers and teachers.
4. Self-Esteem and Confidence
   When students feel mentally well, they’re more likely to believe in themselves and take on new challenges.
5. Long-Term Health
   Developing good mental health habits early can lead to a healthier, happier life in adulthood.

How can parents support with their child’s mental health & wellbeing?

1. Build Strong Relationships

• Create a safe and trusting environment where the child feels valued and heard.
• Spend quality time together, showing interest in their thoughts and feelings.
• Model healthy relationships through respectful communication and empathy.

2. Encourage Open Communication

• Let children know it’s okay to talk about their feelings.
• Use age-appropriate language to discuss emotions and mental health.
• Listen actively and validate their experiences without judgment.

3. Promote Healthy Routines

• Ensure regular sleep, nutritious meals, and physical activity.
• Maintain consistent daily schedules to provide structure and security.
• Limit screen time and encourage offline activities.

4. Teach Emotional Regulation

• Help children identify and name their emotions.
• Teach coping strategies like deep breathing and mindfulness

5. Foster Self-Esteem and Resilience

• Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes.
• Encourage problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Support them in setting and achieving realistic goals.

6. Create a Supportive Learning Environment

• Work with teachers to ensure the child feels safe and supported at school.
• Address bullying or social challenges promptly.
• Encourage participation in extracurricular activities that build confidence.

7. Be Alert to Warning Signs

• Watch for changes in behaviour, mood, sleep, or appetite.
• Take note of withdrawal, aggression, or excessive worry.
• Seek help if concerns persist or escalate.

8. Normalise Seeking Help

• Talk positively about mental health and the support available.
• Share stories (when appropriate) of others who have benefited from support.
• Make sure the child knows it’s okay to ask for help.

What do we currently offer in school to support your mental health and wellbeing?

• Highlight and take part in activities for Children’s mental health week
• External speakers, such as Kooth, Loudmouth & Guiding Young Minds
• PSHE lessons on wellbeing and mental health
• PSHE drop down mornings
• Mindfulness Monday activities
• Educational Visits
• Extra curricular activities
• Physical Education lessons
• Recognition programme to highlight and promote student success (ASPIRE points in lessons, rewards pod, termly awards and end of year awards evening)
• Passport to Greatness award in KS3 to reward success
• Oracy programme to allow students to be heard
• Student leadership opportunities (e.g. student council representatives, tutor monitors, anti-bullying reps, student librarians, reading mentors)
• Peer mentoring from Post 16 students
• Community interventions
• Eco representatives
• Restorative justice programme
• Counsellor
• Safeguarding team
• Personal Organiser – advice from Mind (pages 167-174)
• Mentoring by school staff
• Anti bullying work (such as anti-bullying week and processes to support)
• Regular student council meetings to allow students to discuss issues that are important to them, encourage active citizens and to support their wellbeing
• Refer students to the Mental Health in schools' team where necessary

Attachments:

1. Holy Cross MAC Mental Health & Wellbeing policy
2. Mental Health & Wellbeing support booklet
3. Mindfulness Monday activities – Autumn 1
4. Mindfulness Monday activities – Autumn 2