Oaklands Primary Academy

At Oaklands Primary Academy we are committed to supporting the emotional health of our pupils and staff which includes the characteristics of good physical health and mental well being. We have have received accreditation for the London Healthy Workplace Award led by the Mayor of London's Office and supported by Public Health England. The London Healthy Workplace Award is a set of standards that workplaces meet in order to receive an official accreditation.  The Award aligns with the Mayor's Good Work Standard which also references other initiatives to support fair employment practices and better workplaces.  

We are clear that mental wellbeing is a normal part of daily life, in the same way as physical health; our pupils will learn:

• that there is a normal range of emotions (e.g. happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, nervousness) and scale of emotions that all humans experience in relation to different experiences and situations
• how to recognise and talk about their emotions, including having a varied vocabulary of words to use when talking about their own and others’ feelings
• how to judge whether what they are feeling and how they are behaving is appropriate and proportionate
• the benefits of physical exercise, time outdoors, community participation, voluntary and service-based activity on mental wellbeing and happiness
• simple self-care techniques, including the importance of rest, time spent with friends and family and the benefits of hobbies and interests
• isolation and loneliness can affect children and that it is very important for children to discuss their feelings with an adult and seek support
• that bullying (including cyberbullying) has a negative and often lasting impact on mental wellbeing
• where and how to seek support (including recognising the triggers for seeking support), including whom in school they should speak to if they are worried about their own or someone else’s mental wellbeing or ability to control their emotions (including issues arising online)
• it is common for people to experience mental ill health. For many people who do, the problems can be resolved if the right support is made available, especially if accessed early enough.

If you have a mental health concern
Mental health problems can, in some cases, be an indicator that a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Staff will be alert to behavioural signs that suggest a child may be experiencing a mental health problem or be at risk of developing one.
If you have a mental health concern about a child that is also a safeguarding concern, take immediate action by talking to the DSl or DDSL in her absence. If in exceptional circumstances the DSL/DDSL is not avaiable, speak to a member of the senior leadership team.  You can also seek advice at any time from the NSPCC helpline on 08088005000.  Share details of any actions taken with the DSL as soon as practically possible.
Refer to the Department for Education guidance on mental health and behaviour in schools for more information.

Our Well Being Lead is:  Miss Beth Faherty and our Pastoral Support Lead is Ms Melanie Greenhill. Both are accredited Mental Health Champion First Aiders.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Miss Rebecca Sharp and our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) is Mrs Roisin Kushoro.  Our Safeguarding Governor is Mrs Linda Saunders.

Our Safeguarding Team, who meet reguarly, are Miss Rebecca Sharp, Head teacher, Mrs Roisin Kushoro, Deputy Head teacher, Miss Susan Brotherhood, Assistant Head teacher, Mrs Shital Amin, Inclusion Manager and Ms Mel Greenhill, Behaviour and Pastoral Support Lead.  All in the team have completed Designated Safeguarding Lead training.