Pastoral, Wellbeing & Mental Health Support
At The Hayling College, we want every pupil to feel safe, supported, known and that they belong.
Our pastoral and wellbeing support is an important part of our commitment to ensuring every pupil can be Happy, Healthy and High Performing. We recognise that young people may need different kinds of support at different times, and we encourage pupils and families to ask for help early.
Pastoral Care
We pride ourselves on knowing our pupils as individuals. Every young person has their own strengths, experiences and challenges, and our pastoral team works closely with pupils and families to help remove barriers to learning, attendance and wellbeing.
Each year group has a Pupil Progress Lead, working alongside tutors and the wider pastoral team. Support available within College includes our Behaviour Support Team, Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), Attendance Officer and SEND Team, alongside other trained staff.
Where a pupil needs additional or specialist help, we can work with families and signpost or refer to appropriate external services.
A positive partnership between home and College is important to us. If you are concerned about your child, please contact their Tutor or Pupil Progress Lead in the first instance.
#SpeakUpStaySafe
We want every pupil to know that asking for help is a strength.
Our #SpeakUpStaySafe approach gives pupils different ways to tell us if something is worrying them. This message is promoted through assemblies, posters and screensavers around the College.
Pupils can speak to their:
- Tutor
- Pupil Progress Lead
- a member of the Pastoral Team
- a member of the Safeguarding Team
- or any other trusted adult in College.
Pupils can also use our #SpeakUpStaySafe online form if they find it easier to raise a concern that way.
There are also opportunities for peer support. Our Prefects, Peer Mentors and Anti-Bullying Ambassadors help promote kindness, inclusion and positive relationships and can help pupils find the right adult or support.
Our Library is a safe and welcoming space for pupils, including opportunities to meet and talk with Prefects.
If a pupil tells us something that suggests they or another child may be at risk, this will be shared with our Safeguarding Team so that we can provide appropriate help.
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Mental health and emotional wellbeing are an important part of our pastoral provision.
Young people can experience difficulties including anxiety, low mood, friendship problems, bullying, bereavement, family difficulties, examination stress or other pressures.
Sometimes a conversation with a trusted adult is enough. At other times, more structured or specialist support may be helpful. Our approach is to listen, understand what is happening and identify the right support with the young person and their family.
Depending on individual circumstances, support may include pastoral support, ELSA, SEND support, attendance support or involvement from appropriate external services.
Help outside College
We also make pupils and families aware of trusted organisations that can provide additional advice and support.
Kooth provides free online mental health and wellbeing support for young people.
Hampshire CAMHS provides information, advice and specialist mental health support for children, young people and their families.
Mind provides mental health information and support.
These services are also promoted to pupils through our College posters and screensavers as part of our #SpeakUpStaySafe message.
Support for Parents and Carers
It can sometimes be difficult to know what to do when your child is struggling.
We have developed a Wellbeing Guide to help pupils, parents and carers understand the support available through College and other organisations.
The Hayling College Wellbeing Guide
Hampshire CAMHS also provides useful resources specifically for parents and carers, including practical advice about supporting children's emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Hampshire CAMHS – Parents and Carers
I would keep your existing Good Mental Health Handbook, Parents and Carers Basic Factsheet and Back to Basics resources immediately below this section as downloadable resources.
Attendance and Wellbeing
We recognise that emotional wellbeing, anxiety, SEND, relationships or difficulties outside College can sometimes affect a pupil's attendance.
If attending College is becoming difficult, we encourage families to contact us early. Our pastoral, attendance and SEND teams can work together with the pupil and family to understand the barriers and agree appropriate support.
You can find further information on our separate Support with Attendance page.
Getting Help
Pupils: Speak to your Tutor, Pupil Progress Lead, a trusted adult, Prefect or Anti-Bullying Ambassador, or use #SpeakUpStaySafe.
Parents and carers: Please contact your child's Tutor or Pupil Progress Lead if you are concerned about their wellbeing.
If you believe a child is at immediate risk of serious harm, contact the emergency services on 999.
