Mental Health Support at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School
At SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, your child’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We want every child to feel happy, supported, and able to do their very best. To help us achieve this, we work closely with families, staff, and specialist mental health professionals.
Who Supports Mental Health in Our School?
What Does the MHST Do?
The MHST supports children, families, and schools in three key ways:
When Might a Child Be Referred to MHST?
Some children may benefit from extra support if they are experiencing:
MHST offers low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other early interventions designed to help children understand and manage their feelings.
How the Referral Process Works
If we feel your child may benefit from MHST support, here’s what happens:
What Does Support Look Like?
Our Whole-School Approach to Mental Health
We want our school to be a place where mental health and wellbeing are talked about openly and positively. Working with MHST helps us make sure that pupils, parents, and staff all have the tools they need to look after their wellbeing.
Our Current Offer Includes:
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or would like to talk about support for your child, please contact our school office. Our Senior Mental Health Lead will be happy to get in touch and discuss how we can help.
At SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, your child’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We want every child to feel happy, supported, and able to do their very best. To help us achieve this, we work closely with families, staff, and specialist mental health professionals.
Who Supports Mental Health in Our School?
- Senior Mental Health Leads:
Mrs Laura Adams and Miss Lisa Richardson - Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP):
Jack McKinnell
What Does the MHST Do?
The MHST supports children, families, and schools in three key ways:
- Providing Support for Mild-to-Moderate Difficulties
They offer early help for concerns such as anxiety, low mood, worries, and mild sleep issues. - Helping Us Develop a Positive Mental Health Culture
They work with us to strengthen our whole-school approach to wellbeing. - Giving Advice and Linking with Other Services
They offer guidance to school staff and help coordinate support if a child may benefit from another service.
When Might a Child Be Referred to MHST?
Some children may benefit from extra support if they are experiencing:
- Anxiety or excessive worrying
- Low mood
- Trouble sleeping
- Early emotional difficulties
MHST offers low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other early interventions designed to help children understand and manage their feelings.
How the Referral Process Works
If we feel your child may benefit from MHST support, here’s what happens:
- Identifying a Concern
A child’s needs might be noticed by staff, parents, or the child themselves. - Consultation
The concern is discussed—without using names—between our Mental Health Leads and Jack (EMHP). - Parent and Child Consent
We will always speak to you first. A referral is only made with your consent and your child’s. - Referral Screening
MHST practitioners review the referral and decide next steps. They may accept it, ask for more information, or suggest another service if it’s not the right fit. - Assessment
If accepted, MHST will arrange an initial assessment with your child and keep you updated. - Next Steps
MHST will let the school, GP, and family know the outcome and plan of support.
What Does Support Look Like?
- Assessments can take place in school.
- MHST usually offers 6–8 sessions of support.
- Sessions might be 1:1 or in small groups.
- Support can also take place during school holidays.
- Because the support is CBT-based, children may be asked to try small tasks at home between sessions.
- Family involvement is really important and helps children make progress.
Our Whole-School Approach to Mental Health
We want our school to be a place where mental health and wellbeing are talked about openly and positively. Working with MHST helps us make sure that pupils, parents, and staff all have the tools they need to look after their wellbeing.
Our Current Offer Includes:
- Our EMHP, Jack, in school every Monday
- Access to 1:1 low-level CBT sessions (via referral)
- Wellbeing workshops for whole classes
- Parent Workshops
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or would like to talk about support for your child, please contact our school office. Our Senior Mental Health Lead will be happy to get in touch and discuss how we can help.
