Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)
- Social Difficulties
- Emotional Difficulties
- Mental Health Conditions
Type of support/Provision provided by Cheviot Primary School:
- All teachers have received training and use the Newcastle Mainstream Guidance in supporting the needs of all pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.
- Excellent pastoral care
- The school provides excellent robust pastoral care for all pupils. The school also offers a Family Support Officer.
- Our Family Support Officer has completed Thrive training and Lego Therapy. Mrs. McCulla offers a lunch-time club to support the needs of pupils who may be experiencing social or emotional difficulties. These lunchtime sessions support their emotional well –being, social skills and self-esteem.
- The school’s behaviour policy identifies where reasonable adjustments or changes can be made to ensure the need for exclusion is kept to a minimum.
- We use risk assessments and take action to ensure the safety and inclusion of all pupils in all activities.
- Behaviour management systems in school are based upon encouraging children to make positive decisions about behavioural choices.
- Staff have clear sanctions and rewards that are followed to offer children structure and routine.
- Cheviot offers a Friday afternoon golden time as a reward for positive social, emotional and behaviour throughout the week.
- We provide effective social and emotional scaffolding for all children in a nurturing environment.
- Small group or 1:1 targeted programmes are delivered to children to improve social skills and emotional resilience.
- Staff use the 5 point scale to help support children in managing their own emotions.
- Staff specifically teach certain pupils about emotions, how they make our body feel and it is okay to have such emotions.
- Small intervention sessions target certain groups of children focusing on: mindfulness; social interaction; understanding who a friend is along with life skills such as road safety and stranger danger.
- Outdoor learning is used to offer a different approach to the curriculum, which supports children with social, emotional and behavioural needs.
- We can put into place tailored support for specific emotional needs, for example, bereavement.
- Residential trips are open to all year 6 pupils to help develop social, emotional and behavioural resilience.
- We seek support from outside agencies such as School Health, Community Paediatrician, the Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS) etc.
Updated September 2022