Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of every student is a core priority at South Wirral High School. When students feel safe, supported, and understood, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive.
South Wirral High School, every student matters and every student thrives — not only academically, but emotionally, personally, and socially. Our commitment to wellbeing is embedded in our culture, our values, and our daily practice. We strive to ensure that every young person feels safe, respected, understood, and supported throughout their school journey.
This page provides information, guidance, and resources to help students, parents, and carers access support when they need it.
Our School Values
Our five core values guide everything we do and shape the culture of our school:
. Kindness – Treating others with compassion and empathy
· Respect – Valuing diversity and showing consideration for everyone
· Determination – Overcoming challenges and working towards goals
· Independence – Developing self-reliance and responsibility
· Ambition – Aiming high and pursuing personal success
These values create a supportive, inclusive, and aspirational environment where every student can thrive.
Our Approach to Wellbeing
We are committed to a whole-school approach that:
· Promotes kindness, respect, and inclusivity
· Encourages open conversations about mental health
· Works closely with families and external services
· Teaches practical strategies for managing stress and building resilience
Our Vision
We believe that mental health is the foundation of a young person’s ability to learn, grow, and flourish. Our vision is to create a school community where:
· Students feel able to talk about their wellbeing without fear or stigma.
· Emotional support is accessible, proactive, and responsive to individual needs.
· Every young person develops the skills to manage challenges with resilience and confidence.
· Families and staff feel empowered and informed so that students receive strong, consistent support.
· Wellbeing is seen as a shared responsibility, woven through the curriculum, the pastoral framework, enrichment, and daily school life.
Our Promise to Students
You belong here. You matter here. Your wellbeing is our priority. You will never face your challenges alone.
South Wirral High School is committed to helping every student feel supported, empowered, and ready to flourish — now and into their future.
How Students Can Access Support
Students can ask for help in several ways:
· Talking to a Form Tutor, Head of Year, or any trusted adult
· Visiting the Pastoral Team at any time during the school day
· Requesting a Wellbeing Check-In
· Speaking with the Safeguarding Team if they feel unsafe or worried
All conversations are handled sensitively and with respect for privacy.
Common Wellbeing Concerns
Students may come to us with issues such as:
· Stress or anxiety
· Low mood or lack of motivation
· Friendship or relationship problems
· Bullying or online pressures
· Family difficulties
· Exam or academic stress
We encourage early conversations so we can provide the right support quickly.
Strategies for Positive Mental Health
We help students develop lifelong skills for wellbeing. Useful strategies include:
💤 Keeping a healthy sleep routine
🌳 Staying active and spending time outdoors
🗣️Talking to friends, family, or staff when overwhelmed
📱Taking breaks from screens and social media
🧠 Practising mindfulness or relaxation techniques
🏓 Making time for hobbies and rest
Support for Parents & Carers
We work in partnership with families to support every student. Parents and carers can:
· Contact the pastoral team for guidance
· Attend wellbeing workshops and information evenings
· Access recommended resources and external support services
· Encourage open, supportive conversations at home
Internal School Support Services
South Wirral High School provides a range of in-house support options to ensure students receive personalised help.
Pastoral Team
· Daily emotional support and wellbeing check-ins
· Help with stress, friendship issues, and general worries
Heads of Year & Form Tutors
· Key point of contact for academic and personal support
· Monitor attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing
Safeguarding Team
· Led by Designated Safeguarding Leads
· Supports students at risk or with significant concerns
· Works closely with external agencies when needed
Student Welfare Officer
· 1:1 emotional support
· Coordinates wellbeing plans and interventions
SEND Team
· Supports students with special educational needs or emotional/learning challenges
· Creates personalised plans and promotes inclusive access
Behaviour & Inclusion Team
· Helps students with regulation, behaviour, and engagement
· Uses restorative solutions and targeted interventions
School Counselling – Green Rose Therapy
Green Rose Therapy offers psychotherapeutic counselling for young people experiencing a range of emotional and mental health difficulties, including:
· Anxiety
· Trauma
· Low confidence and self-esteem
· Unhelpful thought or behaviour patterns
· Emotional wellbeing and coping difficulties
ELSA — Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
· 1:1 or small group support
· Helps students understand and manage emotions
· Builds resilience, social skills, confidence, and self-esteem
· Supports with anxiety, anger, friendship issues, and emotional understanding
HSIS — High School Inclusion Service
HSIS provides confidential early-help support for young people experiencing emotional, social, behavioural, or wellbeing difficulties. Through one-to-one intervention, guidance, and practical strategies, HSIS supports students to:
· Build resilience
· Improve emotional wellbeing
· Increase engagement in school
· Develop positive coping strategies
Health & First Aid Team
· Provides support for medical or health related concerns
· Works with pastoral staff to ensure students’ physical wellbeing is supported alongside their emotional wellbeing
Strengthening Minds
Strengthening Minds is interactive, fully-planned wellbeing and behaviour-improvement programmes for young people in schools this focuses on emotional development, resilience, behaviour improvement, and mental-health awareness, helping students manage their emotions both inside and outside of school.
Balance Pilates and Wellbeing Programme
The programme aims to support students’ physical and emotional wellbeing through a combination of Pilates exercises, relaxation techniques, and wellbeing activities. Students will benefit from a dedicated one-hour wellbeing session each week, providing an opportunity to develop strategies to support their mental health, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
Enrichment Offer
Students have access to clubs and activities that promote confidence, belonging, and positive mental health. These experiences help build connection, resilience, and pride in our community.
External Support Services
In addition to in school support, a range of local organisations provide valuable help:
BRANCH – Wellbeing Services Directory
Below you’ll find local and regional wellbeing organisations offering support ranging from therapy and emotional regulation to community wellbeing, complementary therapies, and mental health training.
Safeguarding & Safety
If a student is at immediate risk, we act quickly to ensure their safety. Our safeguarding procedures follow national guidelines and are overseen by trained Designated Safeguarding Leads.
Parents, carers, and students can contact the safeguarding team through the school office.
