We have a number of people who you can go to with any concerns or questions you may have regarding your child’s wellbeing.
Your first port of call will normally be your child’s class teacher, but Andrew, Sue and Connor are always available if you would like to speak to one of them.
Connor is the member of the Senior Leadership Team responsible for the Early Years, and Sue for KS1 and KS2.
Special Educational Needs
Catherine is the SENDCo and her role is to coordinate the provision at Walnut Tree Walk for any children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Catherine is also the school’s Wellbeing Lead and Mental Health First Aider.
Connor oversees inclusion across the school so you can also approach him regarding any specific needs.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
We have a number of professionals in the school who support children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health, as well as offering support to parents.
It would normally be the case that the school would identify children or parents to be supported, however, parents can also ask for support by speaking to Andrew.
Please be aware that although we have an extensive range of provision, we have to prioritise according to the level of need or concerns.
Dr. Jen Wills-Lamacq
Dr Jennifer Wills is a Child and Educational Psychologist (DEdPsy, Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council).
She has worked in this capacity for over a decade and specialises in working with schools and families to promote positive mental health and academic progress.
This includes individual therapy using an array of techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), play therapy and child-centred counselling.
Jen works with us on Fridays and, in addition to some direct work with children, she can be available to meet with any parents who need support or advice with a particular issue they are experiencing.
If this is a service that you ever feel you need, please come and speak to Andrew rather than contacting Jen directly and if this is the appropriate support, we will set up a meeting for you.
Gardener Chalmers
Gardner Chalmers works in school two days a week as a Drama Therapist, working with a number of children who we feel benefit from his sessions.
Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
Our Mental Health Support Team provide early intervention on mental health and emotional wellbeing issues, such as mild to moderate anxiety.
These Mental Health Practitioners, overseen by the NHS, work directly with parents to support children with emerging and developing needs.
A typical program of support will consist of 8 sessions which will identify any problems or triggers for your child and then teach you techniques and strategies to support their emotional development.
If you are interested in accessing this service, please come and speak to Connor.
Alicia Marku
Alicia is our Wellbeing Mentor who works under the direction of Jen and Catherine.
Alicia is trained and qualified as an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and works with children across the school.
