Mental well-being and pastoral care are a priority at Windhill21. Aside from our curriculum coverage, we have a number of initiatives we offer to our children.

Mrs Merrell's Share & Care Clinic

Every day at lunchtimes, Mrs Merrell is available in the Jigsaw room between 12:45-13:15 for a Share & Care Clinic.  This gives children an opportunity if they have a friendship issue/are worried about something/ or just want to come for a chat, to talk to Mrs Merrell.

Mental Health Support

Windhill21 are working with Hertfordshire MHST (Herts & West Essex Mental Health Support Teams)   

Hertfordshire MHST works within partner educational settings to provide early help and preventative support for mental health and well-being needs for children and young people aged 5-19 years.

MHSTs have 3 core functions:

• To deliver evidence-based interventions for mild-to-moderate mental health issues;
• Support the mental health lead in each school or college to introduce or develop whole school or college approach and;
• Give timely advice to school and college staff and liaise with external specialist services to help children and young people to get the right support and stay in education.

If you would like further information or support for your child, please contact our Pastoral Lead by calling the main office number 01279 696850 or email admin@windhill.herts.sch.uk

The Mental Health Support Team is not an emergency service and is unable to provide urgent or crisis care. If a child or young person is in a crisis, you should:

• Call Freephone 0800 6444 101 (Single Point of Access (SPA) 24/7 Mental Health Helpline)

• NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health service

• If they are seriously ill or injured, dial 999 for the emergency services or attend A&E

School Dog

As a school, we are excited to share that we have a therapy dog in school – Murphy! Murphy has been part of the Windhill21 team since the beginning of 2023 and has really taken to his role. The rationale behind this incentive is that wellbeing is a priority at Windhill21 and through our thorough research, it is evident that there are many benefits to having a trained therapy school dog, including:

• A calming effect on pupils, particularly those with behavioural or learning difficulties
• Improved behaviour and self-esteem, reduced stress
• Encourages expression and participation in more withdrawn children
• Fosters responsibility, nurture, respect and motivates learning
• Reading and education improvements in low achievers

While Murphy’s main place of residence is with Mrs Merrell in her office, which is secure and separate from the classrooms, children will be able to interact with Murphy under strict supervision at certain times of the week if parental permission has been given. Murphy does not have access to other visitors without supervision and mutual consent. Please understand that we do everything we can to reassure children who are fearful and that under no circumstances will they be forced to meet with Murphy. Whilst moving around the school, Murphy is kept on a short lead and will always be with an adult. Murphy is a cockapoo, and this breed has been carefully selected because it is hypoallergenic, has an ideal temperament and because they are used widely in the field of therapy and support.

Please follow Murphy's twitter/X account for updates @MurphyWH21

If you have any questions about Murphy please contact the school office.

Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a small nurture group to support children from reception.

Jigsaw takes place at lunchtimes and has three areas of focus to support children with resilience, self-esteem and relationships.  The theme changes every half-term on a carousel basis, which enables more children to be able to access the extra support.

Coaching Sessions

Coaching Sessions take place on a 1:1 basis or in small groups to support children with understanding and recognising different emotions and feelings they experience and how their bodies respond.  Strategies to support children with self-regulation and mindfulness are also taught.  Other areas of work include support around self-esteem and friendships.

 

Retune

Windhill21 works with Retune, who provide informative and entertaining workshops for up to 30 pupils, inspiring young people to improve their mental health through creative outlets.

Watch the films before for more information or visit their website here.