What support is available for my child's wellbeing and emotional health?

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One-to-one Pastoral

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If there are concerns regarding a student’s wellbeing or emotional health, a one-to-one pastoral check-in can be arranged for the student. This can be requested by parents, carers, the student themselves, or staff at Fareham Academy.

During a pastoral check-in, students will have the opportunity to discuss any worries or concerns they may have.

Further support options can be explored, including:

• Staff mentoring

• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

• Youth services mentoring

• Motiv8

• Counselling

• Signposting to external agencies

A pastoral one-to-one meeting allows the student to feel supported within the school environment, facilitates access to appropriate further assistance, and enables the school to address the student’s emotional needs effectively.

The Student Support Services team collaborates closely with parents and carers to ensure the best outcomes for students, keeping them fully informed throughout the process and regarding the outcomes of pastoral check-ins.

If you believe your child would benefit from a pastoral check-in, please contact a member of the Student Support Services team. You will be able to discuss any concerns you may have, and a pastoral check-in can be arranged.
 

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Staff Mentoring

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At Fareham Academy, we offer staff mentoring as part of our support options for students. This programme involves weekly check-ins between students and a member of staff they feel comfortable with. Students are encouraged to select a staff member from the school, and an appropriate time and day will be arranged for their meetings.

The mentoring programme follows a structured approach, which includes discussions about the student's week, recognition of their achievements, identification of any challenges faced, and the setting of goals for the upcoming week.

All staff mentoring activities are tracked and managed by the Student Support Services team. Identified staff mentors undergo a phased training programme in collaboration with the educational psychologist to develop the necessary skills for effectively advising and supporting students in their wellbeing.
 

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ELSA

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ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is a support service delivered by trained ELSAs within a school setting. ELSAs support students' emotional development and help them cope with life's challenges. They provide students with the skills to find solutions to the problems they may face at different stages of their lives.

Support may be offered on an individual basis or through group work. Group sessions are typically more appropriate when working on social skills or friendships. ELSA sessions are usually set on a weekly basis for 30 minutes, with more time allocated for group work. Sessions are normally booked for a 6–8 week period.
 

In addition to structured programmes, ELSAs use their skills daily for check-ins or one-off sessions to problem-solve, mediate, or support with specific issues. 

ELSA programmes are designed for students who may be experiencing temporary or longer-term emotional needs. They are planned and delivered by trained ELSAs and can be part of a student's timetable, especially for those accessing Gateway support. ELSA support may continue once a student transitions back into mainstream school to aid the transition process.
 

Areas an ELSA can help with include:
 

• Loss and bereavement

• Emotional literacy

• Self-esteem

• Social skills

• Friendship issues

• Relationships

• Managing strong feelings

• Anxiety and worries

• Bullying

• Conflict

• Emotional regulation

• Growth mindset

• Social and therapeutic stories

• Problem-solving.
   

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MOTIV8

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MOTIV8 is a youth service that visits Fareham Academy twice a week to provide support to designated students.

Youth Support Workers are available at Fareham Academy on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Support can be offered to students individually or in groups, based on their specific needs.

We collaborate closely with the Youth Support Workers to deliver support to our students and gather feedback on the sessions conducted, which can be shared with parents and carers.

 

For further information about the work and services provided by MOTIV8, please visit: motiv8.org.uk.
 

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Youth Services Mentoring

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Martin Doyle is a youth support worker affiliated with Fareham Community Church. He visits Fareham Academy once a week to mentor students on various topics.

In addition to mentoring, Martin conducts informative assemblies covering a range of subjects, including:

• Self-image and self-worth

• Peer pressure

• Resilience

• Sex and relationships

• Bullying

• Poverty

• Drugs and alcohol

• Internet safety and social media

• Mental health

Martin’s support at Fareham Academy has significantly enhanced students' confidence, contributing to improved attendance.