Wellbeing
Creating an emotionally secure and supportive environment - DFE
At Arco Academy, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that supporting mental, emotional, and physical health is essential for academic success and personal growth. Our wellbeing framework is designed in line with Department for Education (DfE) guidelines and is compliant with the standards set by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
Wellbeing Activity Wheel
Our Wellbeing Approach
We understand that every student’s journey is unique. Therefore, we offer tailored support to meet individual needs, ensuring that our students feel safe, valued, and equipped to thrive in both academic and social aspects of school life.
Mental Health Support
At Arco Academy, we are proactive in promoting good mental health. This is done by:
- Access to a dedicated pastoral team: Our staff are trained to identify early signs of emotional distress and provide immediate support.
- Counselling and Therapy Services: We work with professional counsellors who are available to support students through challenges they may face.
- Mental Health Education: Through PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education) lessons, we teach students coping strategies, emotional literacy, and how to seek help when needed.
Safe and Supportive Environment
- Anti-bullying Policies: We have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, and every student is encouraged to speak up if they feel unsafe. Our anti-bullying policies are reviewed regularly and follow DfE guidance.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Our DSL is available at all times to ensure students’ safety. Safeguarding policies and procedures are shared with all staff, parents, and students.
Physical Wellbeing
Physical activity is essential to wellbeing, and at Arco Academy, we provide:
- Daily Physical Education: With our focus on sport and physical activity, students participate in daily PE lessons, ensuring they stay active and healthy.
- Healthy Eating: Our school promotes balanced, nutritious meals, and we encourage students to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Emotional Wellbeing
- Group Support Sessions: We facilitate group activities that focus on emotional expression, mindfulness, and peer support.
- Mentoring: Each student is assigned a mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear.
- Restorative Practices: We use restorative approaches to resolve conflicts, helping students understand the impact of their actions and restore relationships.
Family and Community Engagement
- Parent Consultations: We work closely with parents to ensure a holistic approach to student wellbeing. This includes regular parent consultations and workshops on topics such as emotional wellbeing and mental health.
- Community Partnerships: Arco Academy collaborates with local services and charities to provide additional wellbeing resources, from mental health support to nutritional advice.
How We Monitor Wellbeing
We continually monitor and assess the wellbeing of our students through:
- Regular Wellbeing Surveys: These allow students to express how they feel in a confidential manner.
- One-to-One Check-Ins: Our staff hold regular one-to-one sessions with students to identify any emerging concerns early.
- Student Wellbeing Plans: For students who need additional support, we create individual wellbeing plans in collaboration with parents and external professionals where needed.
Training and Development
All staff at Arco Academy undergo regular training in:
- Mental Health First Aid
- Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Emotional Resilience and Wellbeing Strategies
This ensures that our team is well-equipped to support students in all aspects of their wellbeing.
If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please contact our pastoral team or book an appointment with our wellbeing officer. We are committed to working with families to ensure every student at Arco Academy feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
