Supporting the Wellbring of Every Pupil
At RGS, we are deeply committed to fostering a supportive environment where every pupil can thrive emotionally and physically. Our dedicated Pastoral and Wellbeing teams work collaboratively to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that all pupils feel safe, secure, and able to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves on our trauma-informed approach to care, and on having a variety of trained staff members whom pupils can turn to for an emotionally available adult.
Given the current Mental Health Crisis affecting pupils nationally, we are committed to ensuring that our pupils have access to mental health support as soon as they need it and aim to avoid waiting lists for any of our Wellbeing provision.
Health & Pastoral Care
Our Health Centre is at the heart of our pastoral provision, expertly staffed by two fully qualified nurses, Miss Nikky Gill and Mrs Nicky Gardner, both with extensive experience in the NHS. The team provides compassionate and expert care, offering a confidential space where pupils can feel safe discussing any physical or emotional concerns.
Working in close collaboration with the wider pastoral team, the Nurses provide advice and guidance that is tailored to each individual and act as a point of triage for Mental Health concerns and escalations to the Counselling and Wellbeing team. We also work in partnership with external agencies, such as the Immunisation Team, and play an active role in the PSHCE curriculum to educate pupils on health and development. To ensure a high standard of care across the school, we lead mandatory training for staff, including our annual anaphylaxis courses.
Counselling Services
From time to time, children and young people can become overwhelmed by the challenges that they face in life. The physical, emotional and social pressures of growing up can be hard for some to navigate, and sadly, stressful life events can also occur. Our school-based counselling service provides a confidential and supportive space for pupils to explore what is troubling them with an objective and non-judgemental professional. We help young people to understand their situation, develop effective coping strategies, and build the psychological strength and confidence they need to thrive.
Our Dedicated Counselling Team
- Mrs Rachel Harling is a Senior Accredited Counsellor with extensive experience in child and adolescent mental health, having worked in the NHS, private practice, and education. Mrs Harling is available at the school Monday to Friday.
- Mr Jay Rogers is an Accredited Counsellor who supports the team on Wednesdays and Fridays, bringing many years of experience from a variety of settings.
Our counselling team can support pupils with a wide range of issues, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Low mood, depression, and low self-esteem
- Attendance challenges
- Anger management and emotional regulation
- Peer relations and family issues
- Bereavement and coping with physical illness
- Self-harm and eating disorders
The counselling service is offered as a supplementary service. For further details, including logistical information, fees, and our confidentiality policy, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Sofia Nicholls, by email.
Specialised Wellbeing Provision
We believe that wellbeing extends beyond formal support, which is why we offer a range of unique resources to help pupils manage their Mental and Emotional health.
- Relaxation Sessions: Led by Mr Richard Willis, these popular sessions equip pupils with invaluable strategies for coping with stress and anxiety. We offer both weekly group sessions and tailored one-to-one courses, providing pupils with skills that are beneficial both now and in their future lives.
- Our Therapy Dog: Our certified Pets as Therapy Dog is a much-loved member of the school community and is often available in our Wellbeing area, providing a comforting presence and a space for pupils to de-stress.
- Dedicated Wellbeing Spaces: Pupils can access a variety of safe and supervised spaces designed to support their mental health and wellbeing. These include a specialised Relaxation Room within the Health Centre, dedicated 1:1 counselling rooms, a supervised Welfare Room for lunchtime quiet time, as well as the main Wellbeing area in Whiteladies, staffed by Mrs Nicholls and the Counselling Team.
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