In November Mrs Wood and I had the privilege of attending the Independent Schools Association’s National Awards Ceremony. AESG submitted an application for the “Award for Excellence and Innovation in Mental Health and Wellbeing” and we were delighted to hear that the School had been shortlisted as finalists alongside Radnor House School and DLD College London, who went on to win the award. Judges were complementary about the School’s innovative approach particularly throughout the pandemic to help to support pupils and staff with resilience, anxiety, prevention and maintaining a home / work balance.
At Alderley Edge School for Girls we strongly believe that there is no single approach to ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of everyone. Throughout the school we have sought to prevent mental health issues arising, rather than simply seeking ways to address any that occurred.
During the last academic year our EYFS team identified experiences no longer possible outside of school due to COVID restrictions and sought to run them as part of their school day instead. To aid this they introduced Heritage Days where students presented to classmates about their home life and family trees etc. to aid social interaction and knowledge about families. Furthermore, they introduced spa and wellness days as well as virtual birthday parties.
The Junior School used “My Happy Mind” and “Twinkle” programmes to introduce students to mental health and wellbeing. These programmes encouraged pupils to reflect on how the brain reacts to social situations and emotional reactions, helping them prepare for further lockdowns and online learning. Two Junior School teachers became qualified as “Paws B” mindfulness practitioners and subsequently provided sessions for the girls.
These programmes ran alongside an extensive and relevant whole school PSHE programme. Modules included managing emotions, forming healthy relationships and being respectful online. Screen time limits were introduced and homework decreased to ensure a clear separation between school and home life.
As part of our commitment to Mental Health and Wellbeing, last academic year 40 members of staff have undergone training in Mental Health First Aid for Young People and I have completed similar training to support adult colleagues. Students were surveyed to explore additional ways the school could help with their wellbeing. Yoga sessions were requested, resulting in a weekly virtual yoga session being run for students and parents.
We were delighted with the positive comments from the ISI inspectors who visited our School in June. They noted that “Pupils spoke of a caring, supportive and happy community in which they show a real and genuine concern for each other”. They also commented that “Pupils develop the ability and confidence to try something without fear of failure because the school promotes an environment in which making errors is seen as part of the learning process.” In addition, the inspectors commented that “Pupils acquire skills to manage stress and maintain positive mental health. Pupils are further supported in developing good mental health by attending talks from visiting professions which discuss mental health issues such as anxiety and how to cope with stress and by school staff the majority of which are trained in mental health first aid”.
Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing is an integral part of our daily life and we are committed to continuing our excellent provision and support.
Nicola Smillie
