Personal Development and Welfare

 

'Leaders are well informed, and safeguarding is a high priority. Leaders take their responsibilities for pupils’ safety very seriously… Leaders are well informed, and safeguarding is a high priority. Leaders take their responsibilities for pupils’ safety very seriously.' Ofsted 2019

Safeguarding and Online Safety is paramount to ensure the safety of students’ and staff on a day to day basis.  Safeguarding is overseen by a team of Designated Safeguarding Officers plus students are supported through pastoral staff teams and counselling links.

The school has a strong link with Therapy Partners, a local counselling service, and students and families are supported on referral.  The school also utilises the services of CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services), Early Help and the School Nursing service where appropriate for students. 

'Pupils are happy and safe. Bullying is rare, and when it does occur it is dealt with very quickly. Pupils say that they are proud of their school.' Ofsted 2019

The Personal Development Centre is available to students across Years 7 – 13 to access support and guidance when they require this.  Pastoral staff teams are available throughout the school day to support students wherever necessary.  Each year group has a Pastoral Leader and team of Personal Development Leads (tutors).  Students can access support through Personal Development Time or simply by approaching relevant staff in the Personal Development Centre as necessary.  

A range of Mentoring support services are available in the form of peer mentoring, subject mentoring or pastoral mentoring on a one-to-one basis.

The Learning Mentor supports students, upon referral via the Inclusion Team, to develop their learning skills and manage their academic studies in order to enable them to develop a positive school/life balance.  Students are guided in developing skills to enable them to self-manage their learning independently. 

'Pupils’ personal development is well supported through assemblies and tutor time. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is highlighted across the curriculum. Pupils said that tutor time is valuable and well used. Inspectors agree. Pupils particularly enjoy the sessions on leadership, teamwork and independence…Teachers encourage them to respect people from other backgrounds.' Ofsted 2019

At The Lenham School we support the whole child through our excellent pastoral care. We offer students an enriching, varied and comprehensive Personal Development curriculum using internal expertise and outside agencies. This teaches students vital life skills they need for the future and provides them with the cultural capital they need to become active citizens.

Personal Development Time and assemblies are used to share important messages regarding wellbeing, extend learning and give time for discussion.  External services and events are also promoted through visiting speakers delivering assemblies.  

Personal Development afternoons happen termly whereby lessons provide an opportunity for students to engage in dialogue about common mental health needs and develop appropriate decision making and other life skills to help them with self-management and to increase awareness of support services available. 

This academic year we have invited a vast number of agencies into school to raise awareness of the work they do, promote safeguarding and share opportunities with our students. These include the Army, the Police, the Fire Service, Kent Refugee and Asylum Centre, Duke of Edinburgh and the National Citizenship Service.  We build links with the local community through drama, charity work and attending the local Church for a service at Christmas.

'Pupils learn well in a secure, friendly and supportive setting…Everyone knows that their voice will be heard, and that issues will be resolved effectively.'  Ofsted 2019

Student Voice is actively encouraged and developed through every individual interaction across the school.  More formally, the Student Council representatives and Prefects in each year 11-13 meet every six weeks and the Student Voice Prefects meet with the Headteacher once per term to share feedback.

How parents/carers can help

Early intervention is key to us all being successful in supporting young people showing signs of poor emotional or mental wellbeing. 

Warning signs of an issue might include:

• Increased isolation and being socially withdrawn;
• Changes in mood, eating or sleeping patterns;
• Physical signs of harm and talking about self-harm or suicide – look out for changes in how they dress;
• Secretive behaviour;
• Use of drugs and alcohol;
• A dip in academic progress or increased lateness or absence from school;
• Expressing feelings of failure and self-doubt.

In times of need, we would encourage parents/carers to:

• Spend time listening and try to be understanding of the child’s needs;
• Make sure the child knows they can talk to you anytime about anything;
• Encourage family time and positive social interaction with trusted family friends;
• Show the child affection and give them space to be peaceful;
• Seek advice from professionals and do not be afraid to ask for help.

There are some excellent support materials and guidance available on line for parents/carers.  A few we would recommend are as follows:

Action for Children- www.actionforchildren.org.uk/support-for-parents/children-s-mental-health/

CAMHS- www.nelft.nhs.uk/services-kent-children-young-peoples-mental-health/

Childline- www.childline.org.uk

Early Help Services- MaidstoneEarlyHelp@kent.gov.uk

MIND- www.mind.org.uk

Place2Be- www.place2be.org.uk/

School Health Team- www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/school-health/

Therapy Partners- www.therapypartners.co.uk

Young Addaction- www.addaction.org.uk/services/young-addaction-kent

Young Minds- www.youngminds.org.uk

 

Help for Households

We understand times are difficult for some families in this cost of living crisis. Please click here for websites and charities that signpost support available from businesses and help for household costs.