Wellbeing

Emotionally Friendly Settings (EFS) Status

We are currently in the process of applying for Emotionally Friendly Settings (EFS) status. As an EFS school, we take a whole-school approach to supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing, ensuring that emotional needs are recognised and responded to so that all pupils can succeed and thrive.

By adopting a whole school approach, we can ensure that wellbeing is central to everything that we do.

Our aim is for every child to be happy, healthy and equipped to manage life’s challenges. We promote resilience, confidence, positive self-esteem and effective coping strategies. All pupils access a strong PSHE curriculum and high-quality RSE.

Staff also develop their understanding of emotions, self-regulation, positive relationships and healthy lifestyles so they can model and support good wellbeing and therefore have the best impact upon the pupils we support. We are fortunate to offer additional emotional support through Place2Be.

We work closely with external professionals—including Educational Psychologists, CAMHS, the School Nurse, Speech and Language Therapists, Early Help Practitioners, Paediatricians, the Primary Inclusion Team, and Salford’s Learning Support Service—to ensure each child receives well-rounded support.

Currently, our Mental Health Leads are Mrs Doyle and Miss Coffey and at least nine members of staff are trained Mental Health Champions. Our goal is for all staff to complete full training. Please see link for further information.

Home | Emotionally Friendly Settings

St. Sebastian’s works with Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity that helps children to explore their emotions and feel better about themselves.

Helen Stansfield Boys is our Place2Be staff member. Helen works in school on Thursdays and Fridays.

“When I feel worried, it’s like I’m in a maze and the people in Place2Be are coming with a torch and showing me the way” – Boy

“My daughter had become such a different person – one we didn’t recognise – but since counselling we see signs of our old loving daughter coming back.” – Parent

Children can go to the Place2Be room in school to express themselves by making art, playing or talking.

When is Place2Be useful?

Sometimes children can feel particularly sad, confused, scared or angry.

Maybe something difficult happened at home, like losing a family member or parents separating. Or, perhaps they’re struggling with something at school, like bullying.

This can make them behave differently, lose confidence in themselves or find it difficult to concentrate in class.

Place2Be is there to help children find ways to cope, so their worries don’t get in the way of their friendships, their learning or how they feel about themselves.

What does Place2Be do?

Place2Be’s professionals work with children one-to-one or in small groups, giving regular support for pupils who need it.

Children can also book a short appointment to talk about any problems or worries they have – this is called Place2Talk.

How does Place2Be work with adults?

Place2Be provides support and advice for parents and carers, as well as teachers and school staff. Visit place2be.org.uk/family or get in touch with our Place2Be staff member (details below) to find out more.

Place2Be always gets agreement from parents or carers before they support a child through one-to-one counselling. They also meet with parents or carers regularly to keep them updated and make sure they are involved from the start.

Any questions?

Helen Stansfield Boys, (Place2Be staff member), is working in school on Thursdays and Fridays. You can arrange to meet her at school or get in touch on 0161 921 1625. To find out more about Place2Be, visit place2be.org.uk