Throughout Meridian Trust, we aim to promote positive wellbeing and mental health for each member of our staff and pupil communities.
We pursue this using universal and targeted approaches with staff, pupils and families. We also have specialised approaches to support the most vulnerable pupils. In addition to promoting wellbeing and positive mental health, we aim to recognise and respond to signs of mental ill health. By developing and implementing practical, relevant effective mental health policies and procedures, we can promote a safe and stable environment for staff and pupils directly and indirectly affected by mental ill health.
Effective practice is endorsed through our schools achieving the Carnegie School Mental Health Award, awarded from Bronze to Gold Level. We are committed as a Trust to evolving and embedding the “Thrive Approach”. This ensures we can support the social and emotional development of all the children and young people we work with.
“Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” (World Health Organization)
As a Trust we promote the NHS “5 Steps to Wellbeing” to our pupils, staff and families:
Connect with other people
Be physically active
Learn new skills
Give to others
Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
These steps are intrinsic to our approach to improving wellbeing and mental health. We have modelled these principles in our staff and pupil pyramids, which provide a tiered approach to the support available. We hope it will also provide skills to last through future life.
School calendars are created annually to promote opportunities for staff and pupils to undertake activities that promote positive wellbeing.
Underpinning this is Meridian Trust’s commitment to its vision that every child is known and supported to achieve their potential. This commitment also includes that the Trust’s school’s communities are supported by the services we provide and all Meridian Trust staff benefit from a human approach, where they are equally valued and supported.
We provide a strong pastoral support network across our schools through tutors, classroom teachers and pastoral staff. They are available to offer advice and support and positive environment to pupils, staff and families.
Our pupil’s families receive regular updates on current health and wellbeing topics and actively promote the importance of wellbeing and positive mental health throughout our schools through the pastoral programme, PSHE lessons, assemblies, external speakers and nationally promoted events.
Our pastoral programme is given the highest priority. Each of our schools is caring, friendly and an environment where happy, cared-for children can thrive. Form tutors develop good relationships with each member of their secondary school student group and are quickly able to identify problems.
We provide a personal and approachable support for pupil’s families, who are encouraged to speak to school staff about any worries. It is fundamental that every child in each of our schools is known as an individual and find their school a place they look forward to returning to each day.
Our success comes from us working together, caring, being kind and looking after each other. We promote positive mental health in our school community by ensuring everyone can look after and develop their wellbeing. This is the first and most important tier of embedded emotional wellbeing support.
Our vision is about identifying the skills, values and attributes that we believe all pupils and staff should develop during their time with us.
