Mental Health Support Teams in Schools | Information for Parents

Forest View Primary School

Schools play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of children and young people at a time when they are experiencing lots of physical, emotional and social changes.

For some children, this stage of growing up can sometimes become overwhelming or difficult to manage, and it can be made worse by life events such as changing schools, exams, challenging home circumstances, bullying or difficult friendships.

New Mental Health Support Teams have been put into over 70 schools across Gloucestershire to tackle these challenges by helping young people to feel more resilient, arming them with techniques to look after themselves and strategies to help them cope better with life’s ups and downs. The teams will also support parents and teachers with information and tips about how best to help children and young people who are experiencing difficulties.

The teams are made up of Education Mental Health Practitioners, Primary Mental Health Workers, TiC+ Counsellors and Team Managers. They will travel to each school for meetings with staff to discuss any children and young people they think may benefit from their support. If a child is refusing to go to school, they will also work with families to help the child get back to school.

When a school notices a child is struggling with day-to-day worries, an initial discussion with the team will take place to ensure this form of support is the most appropriate way forward.

Parents and/or carers will be contacted and asked to agree consent prior to any support being started with their child.

The only reason we may not be able to keep things confidential is if we believe a child, young person or someone else is at serious risk of harm.

If you would like any further information regarding the Mental Health Support Team, please contact either Mr Law-Eadie, Miss Woskett or Mrs Lyons at the school on 01592 822241. Alternatively you can email on MHST@forestview.gloucs.sch.uk