Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you are concerned about your child's mental health and/or wellbeing, email safe@stvps.co.uk to contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Curriculum and Universal Support
At St Vincent’s, we use Zones of Regulation ™ to help children to understand how
they are feeling and to regulate their own emotions. We teach children that all feelings are OK. Over time, children are exposed to a range of ‘tools’ to help them to get into the Green Zone and be ready to learn.
Mental health and wellbeing are also taught year-round through our PSHRE curriculum, assemblies and during special awareness weeks throughout the year.
Targeted Support Within School
At St Vincent's, we also run the ELSA programme for pupils experiencing emotional difficulties. In schools, ELSA stands for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. ELSA support in schools is a project designed to help schools support the emotional needs of their pupils. ELSA acknowledges that children and young people learn best when they feel happier and their emotional needs are being addressed. The initiative was developed and supported by Educational Psychologists, who used knowledge of how children develop socially and emotionally and apply this knowledge to the needs of pupils.
For more information, click here.
ConnectEd runs a counselling service at St Vincent's. Our therapist, Emily Towner, is able to see a limited number of children on a 1:1 service following a referral from the school. Emily also offers a lunch-time drop-in service to all children in Years 5-6.
For more information, see their child-friendly leaflet here.
We thank the Catholic Children's Society and our school PTA for contributing towards the cost of this service.
Creating a world where every child develops the courage to follow their heart and intuition, the resilience to overcome fears and obstacles and the ability to speak out and be heard. BEST 4Learning was founded in 2014 by Julia Johnston and Vicky Lambert. Their mission is to help young people develop the skills that are needed to thrive in today’s society; Resilience, Empathy, Emotional Control, Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem.
BEST teaches children to understand how their unique brain works and how their thoughts and feelings create their actions, giving them strategies to overcome the Anxieties and Challenges that they face in today’s world.
BEST run after school clubs at St Vincent's, teaching social and emotional skills through games, art and drama.
Click here to book a club (YR-Y2 Tuesdays, Y2-Y6 Thursdays)
Julia Johnston can also provide 1:1 sessions within school, privately funded by parents. For more information, contact Julia on best4learningjulia@gmail.com or 07946616146.
Further Support
Some children will need additional support beyond what is on offer within school. There are teams within Ealing, who can help you and your child.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS): School can make referral to CAMHS who require more substantial mental health support. CAMHS also offer a free helpline: 0800 328 4444 (choose option 2)
Mental Health Support Team (MHST): School can refer families for a 1:1 parent-led intervention with a focus on either anxiety or challenging behaviour. The MHST also offer regular online workshops for parents/carers.
The Circle Café: A welcoming space for children and young people who need support to avoid crisis. Opening Times (365 days a year) Mon – Fri: 14:00-22:00 (drop ins 14:00-18:00) Weekends/school holidays: 12:00-20:00 (drop ins 12:00-16:00)
Adult Mental Health Support
