ONLINE
SAFETY
We hold alongside parents the responsibility of guiding the children through the new technologies they may encounter. Keeping safe online is a priority of this technology and through the curriculum and extra-curricular activities we cover different aspects of this.
It is important to understand how not to become a victim, also not to be the perpetrator, to understand the social and legal implications of these actions.
Access to social media and suitable age-related films and material are areas that can cause mental and wellbeing issues amongst children and we spend a lot of time explaining that parents should keep parental controls on all devices and know what their children are accessing. We work in partnership with parents to advise them and also to alert them if there issues that arise at school.
The school operates an online filtering system called SOPHOS, this sends alerts to the Headteacher when someone has tried to access unsuitable materials through search engines or other means. We will then track this down and alert parents if necessary and put further protective measures in place if necessary.
ONLINE SAFETY AND USE OF IMAGES PROCEDURE​
WELLBEING &
MENTAL HEALTH
SCHOOL STRENGTHS AND CURRENT PRACTICE ​
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Senior Mental Health Leads - Mrs M Ireland-Hubbert & Miss C Beer
Wellbeing and Safeguarding Governor - Mrs B Fincham
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Phoenix Primary School is an accredited IQM, Character Education, Values Based Education, and Trauma-Informed Practice school. It provides high levels of pastoral support for families and pupils, with ten Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), including the main DSL who also serves as a mental health lead alongside the headteacher. The school uses CPOMS for safeguarding and wellbeing tracking, and employs a FLO, MELSA, and ELSA to support emotional literacy and family engagement. Weekly Team Around the Child meetings and a dedicated attendance officer (also a DSL) ensure robust monitoring and intervention. The school maintains strong relationships with external agencies, including mental health services, and has undertaken EBSA training. Professional growth is encouraged for all staff, and an open-door policy supports communication with families and pupils. Dojo is used for immediate communication with parents, and workshops are offered to support parental wellbeing. Staff wellbeing is prioritized through flexible PPA and leadership time, supervision support, in-school coaching, regular wellbeing surveys, and access to Care First and Benenden through the Trust.
Phoenix Primary School is committed to aligning its mental health strategy with current UK government guidance, including the Department for Education's 8 principles of a whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing. These principles include:
1. An ethos and environment that promotes respect and values diversity
2. Leadership and management that supports emotional health and wellbeing
3. Staff development to support their own and pupils' wellbeing
4. Curriculum teaching and learning to promote resilience and social-emotional learning
5. Enabling student voice to influence decisions
6. Identifying the need for and monitoring the impact of interventions
7. Targeted support and appropriate referral
8. Working with parents and carers
The school will also incorporate evidence from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to inform the design and implementation of interventions, ensuring they are evidence-based and effective in improving outcomes for pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Strategic Priorities
1. Strengthen whole-school mental health provision for pupils and families.
2. Enhance staff capacity and wellbeing to support mental health needs.
3. Deepen community engagement and support for parental mental health and wellbeing.
4. Sustain and develop trauma-informed and inclusive practices.
5. Monitor and evaluate impact of mental health interventions and support.
PARENTS AND CARERS
Parents or carers should approach their child/children’s class teacher if they have any mental health concerns. This will be cascaded to the Mental Health Leader for assessment. In addition to offering universal support within school, we may also discuss with you additional support mechanisms available to you from the following agencies:
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• School Nursing Service www.healthforkids.co.uk (Interactive website for children and parents)
• Small Steps
• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)
• Family Liaison Office - Mrs E Barnwell
• Play Therapy
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Online resources to support Mental Health and Wellbeing can be found on the following websites:
​Young Minds
​Anna Freud
​NHS England
