Student Wellbeing
At RBA we are committed to supporting students’ wellbeing to enable students to achieve their personal best. The school has a strong pastoral system of form tutors, Heads of Year, Pastoral Managers and also a PSHE and RSE curriculum which supports discussion of issues such as self-harm, depression and maintaining well-being.
We have just appointed a Senior Mental Health Lead (Mrs McBride) and her role is to oversee a whole school approach to mental health, including early help for students. This is done through assemblies, form time and through providing individual and group work support. We regularly organise wellbeing events, and we have a designated week in school where we carry out wellbeing activities, as we believe that it is important to reflect on self-care as good practice for life. The development of these activities is done with our students for our students. The importance of looking after our mental health and talking about our troubles is regularly highlighted to our students and our core value of Care exemplifies this.
In year 7 our students carry out a ‘Kindness Project’ where they think about what it takes to make a good friend, where to get support if they are struggling, and undertake community projects to make them feel more included in the #RBAfamily ethos that we are cultivating at the school. It is clear that this process is rewarding for the students, who present to an outside assessor, what friendship means to them and how kind they can be; which results in them achieving ‘Kindness Ambassador Status’.
To enable you to support your child at home you will find links to some resources and agencies which you may find useful.
MindEd
MindEd is a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults.
You will find signposting and links for many common issues but also more detailed learning for parents which takes a comprehensive approach to a concern a parent may have. There are videos, help sheets, questionnaires and top tips for parents.
There are links and resources available to parents on many topics such as
· Parenting in a digital world
· Eating disorders
· Sexual orientation and gender
· Building confidence and resilience
· Family relationship problems
· Sleep difficulties
Herts Young Homeless
Herts Young Homeless (HYH) is an independent charity that has been supporting vulnerable people in Hertfordshire for over 15 years. HYH has offices throughout Hertfordshire with over 50 staff and many more volunteers.
Herts Young Homeless information leaflet
One service they provide is a free, confidential and impartial mediation service for families who are having arguments and disagreements. The mediation service covers 10-24 year olds and their families. The mediation sessions usually last between 6-8 weeks. Families can refer by phoning or emailing the service. Further details can be found using this link
