Well-being at Thorntree Academy

Here at Thorntree Academy, we are committed to supporting the social, emotional and mental health of all our children, young people and wider school community. A priority is that each child experiences a loving, caring and stimulating environment in which they feel secure, and in addition to this develop academically and socially. We want all of our children to have a sense of confidence, happiness, self-worth, respect and purpose, all of which are thing we promote across our academy. In addition to this, we want all of our pupils to have and use their voice during their time at school.

The department for Education recognises that:

‘In order to help their pupils succeed, schools have a role to play in supporting them to be resilient and mentally healthy. Moreover, schools have a duty to promote the wellbeing of pupils.’

We have a Wellbeing and Inclusion Team who are responsible for ensuring wellbeing support is readily available for all of those involved in the Thorntree Academy community. This team is made up of Mr Watson (Headteacher), Mrs Allan (PSA), Mrs Dawson (Emotional Support), Mrs McDonagh(SENDCO), Miss Walker (CATs Therapist) and Miss Chrisholm (Inside out Service). 

The Thrive Approach underpins our school’s ethos and values. Our SENDCO is a trained Thrive Practitioner with all staff receiving regular CPD around the implementation of the approach. 

In addition to our Wellbeing Team, we have a trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) in school, who provide specialist interventions to children who need support with emotional and wellbeing needs where appropriate. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists who apply psychological knowledge of children’s social and emotional develop to areas of need and to specific casework.

Thorntree Academy also accesses outreach support from Inside Out- a mental health support service. Through this, children have access to 1:1, group and whole school support. Inside Out also provides support for parents in the community.

We use CATs therapists to support children through Child Psychotherapy. 
We provide bespoke character develop for our children using outside agencies through programmes such as Headstarters, Mini Police and Kalma Life Yoga.