Mental Health

The importance of promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing

The government’s Plan for Change aims to break down barriers to opportunity. A key element of this plan is to improve support for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing in schools. Department for Education (2021)

Good mental health and wellbeing improves standards in schools and helps pupils achieve and thrive in education, setting them up well for life and work.

Good mental health and wellbeing helps pupils:

• attend school
• develop key life skills, particularly social and emotional skills
• engage in learning
• achieve academically
• have better longer term outcomes, such as future employment

Embedding an evidence-based, holistic, whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing helps to achieve this.

Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing at Belle Vue Girls’ Academy 

At Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, we believe that every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued. Our vision is to provide life-changing opportunities through inclusion, aspiration, and high expectations, and we recognise that good mental health is the foundation on which these opportunities are built. 

When students feel emotionally secure, they are more likely to attend regularly, engage positively, and fulfil their potential. That’s why mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of our inclusion, safeguarding, attendance, and behaviour strategies. 

Why Mental Health Matters 

Mental health is not just a pastoral issue; it’s a learning one. The Ofsted 2025 Framework reinforces the importance of personal development, behaviour, and attitudes, and highlights the role of schools in supporting students’ mental health. 

At Belle Vue, we take a proactive, whole-school approach that promotes wellbeing for all and provides targeted support where needed. We know that attendance, behaviour, and learning outcomes improve when students feel cared for and understood. Our aim is to ensure that every student feels empowered to seek help, express themselves, and build emotional resilience. 

Our Approach in Action 

We have developed a comprehensive programme of support and education that places mental health and wellbeing at the centre of school life: 

• Safe Spaces such as the Hub and A21 – calm, nurturing environments designed to help students self-regulate, reflect, and receive bespoke SEMH support. 

• SEMH Lessons within Thrive and Nurture Groups – targeted sessions developing emotional literacy, coping skills, and positive self-esteem. 

• Place2Be Counsellor – on-site, providing one-to-one counselling and therapeutic interventions for students who need specialist support. 

• Youth in Mind (YIM) and Body Image Courses – promoting confidence, self-awareness, and a healthy relationship with self and others. 

• A Proactive Personal Development Curriculum – covering emotional wellbeing, resilience, relationships, and mental health awareness through age-appropriate learning. 

• Wellbeing Ambassadors – empowering students to lead, listen, and support peers, promoting kindness and positive mental health across the school. 

• Assemblies and Guest Speakers – inspiring our community with real-life stories that normalise conversations around wellbeing, self-care, and growth. 

The Role of Our SEMH Teaching Assistants 

Our Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Teaching Assistants are specially trained to support students who may find aspects of school life challenging due to emotional, behavioural, or mental health needs. 

They work closely with the SENDCo, Inclusion Team, and Safeguarding Leads to provide consistent, compassionate care. 

SEMH teaching assistants provide: 

• 1:1 and small-group interventions focused on self-regulation, resilience, and confidence-building. 

• In-class support, helping students to engage positively in learning. 

• Mentoring and check-ins, giving students a trusted adult to talk to during difficult moments. 

• Guidance in the Safe Spaces Hub and A21, supporting reflection and reintegration following periods of emotional distress. 

• Liaison with families, ensuring joined-up communication and consistency of support. 

• Early intervention, identifying triggers and supporting staff to respond proactively to behaviour linked to emotional need. 

Their compassionate approach helps students develop coping strategies, improve attendance, and rebuild confidence — all essential ingredients for success.