Social, Emotional and Mental Health

At Holy Cross, we are committed to nurturing the whole child, ensuring that every child has the support and guidance they need to thrive both academically and emotionally. Our Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) Lead Mrs Gallagher plays a vital role in fostering a positive and inclusive environment where emotional wellbeing is prioritised and children feel safe, supported, and understood.

Our SEMH Lead works closely with children, staff, and parents to provide interventions, promote resilience, and equip children with the skills they need to navigate challenges. Through a combination of one-to-one support, group sessions, and whole-school initiatives, the SEMH Lead helps develop a culture where emotional health is recognised as an integral part of overall learning and development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and Guidance: Our SEMH Lead works directly with children facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, offering both individual and group interventions.
• Collaboration: They collaborate with teaching staff, parents, and external agencies to develop plans that support children’s well-being and ensure they can access the best possible learning opportunities.
• Mental Health Awareness: Our SEMH Lead promotes mental health awareness throughout the school, helping to break down stigma and foster an open dialogue around emotional well-being.
• Training and Support for Staff: We offer ongoing support and training to staff, ensuring that everyone in the school community is equipped to recognise and respond to mental health needs. Our SENCO and SEMH Lead are trained Child Mental Health First aiders. As a school, we work closely with MIND who run interventions within our school for parents and children.
• Building Resilience: We lead programs and initiatives that build emotional resilience, helping children to develop coping strategies and self-regulation skills that contribute to their long-term well-being.

Our SEMH Lead is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the emotional tools they need to succeed, both in school and beyond. They are a key part of our commitment to creating a supportive, understanding, and nurturing and holistic environment for all our children.

If you would like more information or have any questions about the support available for your child, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.