At The Cottesloe School, we are dedicated to supporting every student’s emotional and mental wellbeing, recognising that good mental health is essential for academic success and personal development. Our approach is rooted in our values: Prepare, Aspire, Succeed.

Our Whole-School Approach Includes:

• Promoting Positive Mental Health: We foster a calm, safe, and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and ready to learn. Our curriculum includes age-appropriate lessons on emotional wellbeing, respectful relationships, and resilience.

• Engaging Families Early: We work closely with parents and carers, encouraging open communication and partnership to support students’ wellbeing and attendance.

• Tiered Support System: We provide graduated support tailored to students’ needs:

  • Tier 1: Universal Support
    All staff support students through embedding mental health and wellbeing into everyday teaching and school life. We raise awareness to reduce stigma and encourage positive attitudes towards mental health.

  • A whole-school culture that promotes respect, inclusion, and positive relationships. Staff receive ongoing training to recognise early signs of mental health issues. Universal wellbeing activities and pastoral care are available to all students.

  • Tier 2: Targeted Support (Early Intervention)
    Form Tutors and Heads of Year build trusted relationships to identify early signs of distress or attendance concerns. Targeted pastoral interventions, mentoring, and small group support are provided, with early engagement of families.

  • Tier 3: Specialist Support
    For students needing more intensive help, we collaborate with external partners such as the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). We coordinate support plans and liaise closely with families and professionals.

  • Tier 4: Highly Specialist or Statutory Interventions
    In cases requiring specialist health services, the school supports multi-agency work, facilitates education access during treatment, and plans reintegration with adjusted expectations.

• Inclusive Support for SEND and Vulnerable students: We make reasonable adjustments for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), or social care involvement. We liaise with local authorities to review and amend plans as needed to support attendance and wellbeing.

• Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: We regularly review wellbeing and attendance data to identify students at risk and improve our support systems.

Our dedicated staff, including Form Tutors, Heads of Year, TEAM Hub, and our Senior Mental Health Lead, work together to ensure every student’s mental health is prioritised. Governors also monitor the effectiveness of our provision to maintain a supportive school culture.