The Sullivan Centre provides education for children and young people who cannot attend their usual school because of their medical or mental health needs.
A Venn Academy Trust School – Together we will… Venn is a pioneering academy trust, committed to building educational environments where all pupils are inspired to become lifelong learners who achieve the very highest standards possible. Collaborating with all partners, the Trust works with its unique settings to create world class learning experiences for all.

Wellbeing and mental health

We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and staff can get the advice and help they need.

The list below is not exhaustive, and many other useful organisations and services exist, but it is hoped that these will help children, young people and adults navigate the key resources and get the support they deserve.

General information relevant to children and young people’s wellbeing and mental health

These resources are dedicated to children and young people’s general mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on mindfulness with developing coping skills in young people.

  • NHS Every Mind Matters: Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

  • CAMHS Resources: Helpful resources to support mental health and wellbeing.

  • Young Minds: YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Advice on depression, anxiety, ADHD & self-harm.

  • NSPCC: Recognising the signs that a child may be struggling with their mental health can be really hard. The NSPCC has got advice to help you support children who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal feelings or self-harm.

  • Kooth: Kooth is a free online counselling platform for children & young people Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people aged 10-18 year old with trained counsellors as well as articles written by young people, a supportive online community forum and the function to record online journals.

  • Childline: ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor for free about anything – no problem is too big or too small. Telephone: 0800 1111

  • Anna Freud: Work in collaboration with children and their families to transform children and families’ mental health.

  • Everybody Worries: In this bright and friendly picture book, children learn that it’s okay to worry about coronavirus. Fun rhyming couplets keep the tone gentle and supportive, and you will find plenty of ideas for dealing with coronavirus in a positive way.

    Everybody Worries offers your child the reassuring message that this crisis will pass, we are there for them, and we will get through this together.

  • Thrive helps you prevent and manage stress, anxiety and related conditions.
  • Students Against Depression is a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
  • Togetherall is available for students at eligible universities and colleges who are feeling stressed, anxious, low or not coping. It provides an anonymous online community who share troubles and support each other. It is a safe space as it is moderated by trained professionals who are available 24/7. 
  • Place2Behas a host of mental health resources available. They organise Children’s Mental Health Week every year. 
  • SafeSpot is an iPhone and Android app that promotes positive mental wellbeing in children and young people and has been designed to help children and young people with their coping skills.  

  • MindEd’s advice and resources for families on supporting children’s mental health. This includes the Education Hub (which hosts a short Wellbeing for Education Return training webinar for education staff as well as more in-depth content covering wellbeing and resilience, bereavement and loss, stress, trauma, anxiety and low mood). 
  • NHS: Mental Health Helplines for Urgent Help – NHS 24-hour advice and support for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for. Help is available to speak to a mental health professional. 
  • NHS IAPT: free online NHS adult psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for common problems involving stress, anxiety and depression. IAPT services can be accessed either through a self-referral by contacting your Local IAPT or via your GP. 
  • Headspace: Headspace for Educators offers educators access to free mindfulness and meditation exercises and resources for every age group, and a free Headspace Meditation App. 
  • Public Health EnglandEvery Mind Matters: Looking After Your Mental Health Resources aims to support everyone to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions. 

  • Public Health England: Every Mind Matters Self-Care Tool when you complete the 5 ‘Survey’ questions, a ‘Mind Plan’ is generated, with signposting options to many useful resources. 

“Staff have very high expectations of themselves and their pupils.“

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“The coordinator for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities has a high level of knowledge and understanding.“

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“Regular opportunities for pupils to work on their social and emotional skills are available. These include one-to-one sessions with specialist practitioners, enhanced life skills and practical social experiences.”

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“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.“

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“The school is exceptionally calm and ordered. Pupils behave very well in lessons and are enthusiastic learners.”

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“The curriculum provides pupils with a wide range of opportunities that match the needs and interests of pupils extremely well.“

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“Staff provide a high level of emotional support when necessary while placing great importance on developing pupils’ independence skills.“

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“Lessons in all subjects and in classes across the school are engaging and motivating.“

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“Leaders responsible for inclusion, pastoral care and welfare are inspirational in their dedication, knowledge and actions to support pupils’ emotional health and well-being.“

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“Pupils overcome anxieties and, as a result, they are able to access their learning where they can make strong and sustained progress.“

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“Staff prepare high-quality and bespoke lessons which they use effectively to stimulate pupils’ interest in learning.“

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“Pupils enjoy all aspects of the curriculum and quickly go into their classes when they arrive at school.“

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“The trust uses the management structure of the school well to ensure that they are always informed and up to date with information about the school.“

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“There is a culture of mutual respect at the school that supports pupils in developing their confidence and optimism for learning.”

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“Pupils are kind, caring and demonstrate mature levels of empathy to one another.“

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“Staff receive highquality, regular training to enable them to meet the complex emotional and mental health needs of pupils.“

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“Staff ensure that pupils who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan make strong progress towards achieving their objectives.“

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“The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.”

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“Behaviour during social times and in classrooms is outstanding.“

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“Leaders have ensured that the curriculum includes a wide range of subjects for pupils to study.”

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“The curriculum strongly supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, which is well embedded throughout the school.“

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“Teachers and other staff are highly skilled in ensuring that individual pupils’ needs are met in lessons.“

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“At break and lunchtimes, pupils move quietly and sensibly around school. They are occupied during these times by playing physical games with staff or chatting with each other.”

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“Governors provide excellent support and challenge to senior leaders “

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“Leaders take positive and immediate action should any issues arise to ensure the continuation of the very highquality learning that pupils receive.“

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“Pupils display remarkable levels of empathy for others. They are highly sensitive and tremendously accepting of the needs of other pupils.”

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“The promotion and encouragement of independent learning can be seen in all classes and throughout the school.“

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“Pupils receive high-quality careers advice.“

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“The vast majority of pupils become confident learners. Their developing ability to form extraordinarily strong relationships with staff and friendships with their peers is evident.”

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“Pupils are tremendously enthusiastic about learning. Where possible, they can speak at length about what they are learning and what they have already learned. “

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“Leaders provide a wide range of weekly enrichment activities for pupils.“

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“Staff are successful in developing pupils’ independence.”

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“The trust is extremely supportive and provides high levels of challenge and guidance to school leaders.“

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“Pupils have opportunities to gain a range of qualifications and accreditations, including English and mathematics at varying levels.“

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“The school’s staff and the inclusion leader are exceptionally skilled in enabling pupils to manage their anxiety so that they can learn in a small classroom environment.”

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“Pupils use their knowledge and skills to apply their learning across the curriculum.”

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“Leaders provide pupils with high levels of intervention and professional support, which helps them to overcome their complex mental health and medical needs.“

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“Teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. “

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“Staff plan further bespoke activities for individual pupils who may need support on specific areas of socialising and other life skills.“

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“School records show that bullying incidents rarely occur. Pupils and staff agreed with this view when asked.”

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“In lessons, pupils quickly become absorbed in the variety of activities that staff design for them.“

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“Highly effective teaching and assessment systems and strategies are in place which consider specific pupils’ needs.“

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“Work in books is very well presented and neat. Strong progress can be seen.”

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“Extra curricular activities include horse-riding, rock climbing, swimming and cooking.“

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“Teachers and staff are extremely ambitious for their pupils. They are determined to equip them with skills that will contribute to a happy and fulfilled life. “

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“The school is a calm learning environment where staff encourage pupils to be the best they can be.“

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“Pupils are enthusiastic learners who understand and appreciate the opportunities that the school is providing them with.“

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“Staff work extremely closely with external agencies and a range of medical professionals to ensure that each pupil receives the best advice and care possible.“

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“Senior leaders’ exemplary work to enhance pupils’ emotional well-being and personal development is highly effective”

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“Lessons are calm, ordered and purposeful. This encouraging learning environment has a positive impact on the engagement of pupils.“

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“Leaders check the quality of teaching and learning regularly.“

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“The inclusion lead and other members of staff are available throughout the day to support pupils who are finding things difficult.”

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“Pupils’ starting points are assessed accurately. This enables teachers to plan highly engaging, motivating and personalised learning opportunities.“

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“The enormously positive relationships that exist between pupils and staff are key to the success of the pupils.”

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“Parents appreciate the communication and high levels of practical and emotional support the staff provide for them.“

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“The head of school is highly ambitious and determined for all pupils to be the best that they can be.”

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