At South Pennine Academies, we want every student to have the best possible chance to
achieve in school. Stronger partnerships with families, local businesses, community
agencies and universities are essential as we focus on improving student outcomes.
Our nurturing ethos ensures that children at Willowpark learn in a safe and caring environment. Children are taught emotional literacy skills through whole class SEMH sessions, circle time activities, targeted intervention, theme weeks and externally provided sessions/assemblies.
OurSMSC and PSHCE curriculumallow for us to ensure children have access to opportunities which enable them to build their self-esteem and social skills. Children across school take part in regular Jigsaw lessons as well as additional mental health lessons taught through the Zippy, Apple and Passport programmes, looking at managing their emotional well being and developing strategies to support reducing anxiety and stress. Information on the ZAP programme and resources to use at home can be found on thePartnership for Childrenwebsite
For all our children, we have worry boxes available and initiatives such as daily mood check-ins, meet and greet and snack and chat sessions where children can talk about their feelings on a daily basis.
Parents can find information about the Jigsaw scheme below
We have a dedicated calming space at Willowpark. Mrs. Reid works here supporting children in a range of ways. This is a safe space for children to reflect and work with adults across school exploring the emotional health and wellbeing. This space also allows us to work with parents, carers and families in a range of ways too.
If you have any concerns regarding mental health and wellbeing of yourself or your child, please contact us at school for support and guidance.
Mental Health Support Team
We currently work with the Youth Mental Health Support team in Oldham to provide support for pupils in school experiencing mild-moderate mental health and emotional difficulties.
We welcome two experienced practitioners into school to work with children that need this support offer. This is a consent driven service and at all times, we work closely with the child and their parents when putting this offer of support in place.
If you would like to discuss this further or would like more information about this service, please contact our MHWB lead in school; Nicola Reid.
The Youth in Mind initiative is specifically targeted to respond to the needs of children and young people.
Youth in Mind prioritise two main areas. Firstly, they work closely with schools to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide education and support to children, parents, teachers and governors. Secondly, they offer an innovative range of therapeutic services that can be tailored to meet both school, community and individual needs.
Youth in Mind offer drop in sessions, both 1:1 and group support in the centre of Oldham
National Organisations
The following websites have lots of child friendly information about looking after your emotional wellbeing and mental health