At Alban City School, children’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.
We understand the importance of a child’s sense of wellbeing on their ability to learn, interact with others and make the most of the opportunities presented to them. Naturally, there will be times in a child’s life where circumstances might compromise their wellbeing. Sadly, some of these events can have a huge and long-lasting impact on a child’s life. Here is what we are able to offer to support the range of wellbeing needs.
Universal (available to everyone)
Soft Start
Children come in with their parents or carers at the start of the school day and choose educational activities to do. This gives Teachers and Teaching Assistants the chance to check in with the children and deal with any immediate problems or worries.
Class Teachers/TAs
If a child has a particular worry or problem, Teachers or Teaching Assistants will always make time to talk to them.
School dog
Lani is a cavapoochon, and she is very soft, friendly and calm. She is there in the mornings to greet everyone as they arrive, and is available for visits during the day where children might benefit from some interaction with her.
DSPL7
Our local partnership offers training for parents for a range of issues including wellbeing. Please visit
Personal, Social, Health and Emotional Development Curriculum
All year groups have regular age-appropriate lessons to teach the skills and knowledge required for their personal, social, health and emotional development.
FeelIt Programme
This is a social and emotional literacy programme that teaches children to recognise and name a wide range of emotions and the impact they can have on behaviour, as well as teaching strategies to manage these emotions appropriately.
The Learning Jungle
We teach children metacognitive skills to help them to be successful, using 5 animal characters in the Learning Jungle to represent the key learning attributes of curiosity, resilience, concentration, co-operation and self-improvement.
Level 1: (For children who need a bit extra)
Senior Mental Health Lead
Mrs Carter has completed the Senior Mental Health Lead training. She develops and implements our school’s approach to supporting children’s mental health. She liaises with our Mental Health Support Team Practitioner to refer children or groups of children who may benefit from some additional support.
Learning mentor
We buy in the services of a learning mentor who is able to see 2 children per week for approximately half a term. She is able to help children talk through their worries and develop skills to help them cope.
Childline
Children can call 0800 1111 if they feel the need to talk to a counsellor.
Level 2: (For children who need more targeted support)
Educational Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP)
Sirpa is our EMHP and she is part of the NHS Mental Health Support Team for the St Albans area. She can work with families to deliver evidence based interventions for mild to moderate mental health issues. There is more detailed information about role of the Mental Health Support Team here
A powerpoint presentation that provides more information can be viewed here:
- Introduction to the MHST (1.52MB)
Family Support Worker
We buy in the services of a Family Support Worker who is able to provide support to children and families. This might include work on keeping safe, managing emotions, supporting with challenging behaviours or dealing with sensitive issues.
Families First
Where the family feels they need more support and potentially help from more than one organisation, we can arrange a Families First Assessment. Regular meetings then take place to ensure the support is helpful.
Counsellor
We buy in the services of a counsellor who can provide a compassionate, safe space for children and young people experiencing a range of mental health concerns and difficult experiences, such as anxiety, low mood, bereavement, separation, bullying, self-harm, relationship struggles, and home-related issues.
NESSie
The school are able to refer to NESSie, a provider of art therapy and counselling, where it is felt that children need support from those with more specialist skills.
Other providers of art/play therapy/counselling
Where we feel a child may benefit, we may be able to fund some sessions of art or play therapy. This tends to be in response to a specific event or circumstance such as the loss of a parent and is at the school’s discretion.
School Nurse
Parents and schools are able to refer to the School Nursing Service for support for children’s emotional wellbeing. The school nurse is able to visit children in school to deliver support.
Level 3: (The highest level of support)
For a small number of children it is necessary to work with organisations including:
Children’s Services
Where a child’s physical and/or mental wellbeing are at serious risk we may involve Children’s Services. Where appropriate, we do this in collaboration with parents or carers.
CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services)
Where specialist professional mental health services are required, we can refer to CAMHS.
Intensive Families Team
Where families have multiple and complex needs that require an intensive level of support.
ARC
Where children and families require intensive support due to developmental trauma, risk of placement breakdown and when other sources of help have been exhausted.
Therapists
A small number of children require specialist therapy to help them process difficult or traumatic life events.
Virtual School
For children who are looked after, or have been previously looked after, by the local authority or have had a social worker involved with their family.
A&E
If a child presents with behaviours that present an immediate risk of harm.