Supporting Every Child at Wren Academy Enfield
At Wren Academy Enfield, we understand that mental health exists on a continuum. Everyone experiences times when they feel worried, overwhelmed or anxious and these feelings are a normal part of growing up. For many students, these emotions are temporary and improve with reassurance, strong relationships and the right support.
Starting secondary school is a significant milestone and it is completely normal for some students, particularly those joining us from Year 6, to experience anxiety as they settle into new routines, make new friendships and become part of a larger community.
Our aim is not to remove every challenge our young people face, but to equip them with the resilience, confidence and coping strategies they need to navigate life's ups and downs successfully. Through our PSHE curriculum, pastoral care and relational approach, we help students develop the skills to manage challenges while knowing that support is always available when they need it.
Our Pastoral Support
Every student is known as an individual and is supported through our strong pastoral system.
Students:
- Meet with their Form Tutor at the beginning and end of every school day.
- Benefit from our vertical tutor groups, where older and younger students support one another through positive peer relationships.
- Have access to Trusted Adults in the Academy.
- Are supported by their Head of House, who is the main point of contact for families regarding wellbeing, pastoral care and student support.
- Can access support from our Chaplain, safeguarding team and other pastoral staff whenever needed.
Many concerns can be successfully supported through these everyday relationships.
Our Graduated Approach to Support
If a student begins to experience emotional or mental health difficulties, our first priority is to understand their needs and work collaboratively with both the student and their family.
For many students, the first step is creating an individual Wellbeing Support Plan.
This may include:
- Identifying one or more Trusted Adults.
- Daily or weekly check-ins with key members of staff.
- Informing teachers so they can provide additional encouragement or support where appropriate.
- Agreed strategies to reduce anxiety during the school day.
- Safe spaces students can access if they become overwhelmed.
- Regular reviews with families to monitor progress.
Many students find that these personalised strategies, alongside strong relationships and consistent routines, help them to regain confidence and wellbeing.
If concerns continue, become more complex or require specialist support, we offer a range of targeted interventions.
Therapeutic Support at Wren Academy
All referrals are carefully discussed and triaged by our Safeguarding and Pastoral Team to ensure students receive the most appropriate support for their individual needs.
Safe Space and Sensory Room
All students can access our Safe Space if they feel overwhelmed or need a calm environment to regulate their emotions.
Some students may also receive a Safe Space Card, allowing them agreed access throughout the school day when anxiety or emotional distress becomes difficult to manage. These students receive regular check-ins from pastoral staff to ensure they feel supported.
Nurture Provision
For students who are experiencing significant emotional difficulties or who may be at risk of emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), we offer additional nurture support.
Students may begin the school day in our sensory room with a familiar member of staff, providing a calm and supportive start before joining lessons. This provision helps students build confidence, develop routines and increase their readiness for learning.
Draw and Talk
Draw and Talk is a therapeutic intervention that enables children and young people to explore emotions through drawing in a safe, supportive environment. It can help students process difficult experiences, develop emotional awareness and improve wellbeing.
Chaplaincy Support
Our Chaplain provides a listening ear for students of all faiths and none. Students can access pastoral conversations, mentoring and emotional support in a confidential and welcoming environment.
Where appropriate, our Chaplain also works alongside families to provide additional guidance and support.
Mentoring
Some students benefit from regular mentoring with a Teaching Assistant, Head of House or another trusted member of staff.
These sessions provide opportunities to:
- Reflect on challenges.
- Build confidence.
- Develop coping strategies.
- Set achievable goals.
- Celebrate progress.
Specialist Mental Health Support
Where students require additional therapeutic support, we work closely with a number of external professionals and organisations.
MYME
We work in partnership with MYME, the local early intervention mental health service, which supports young people experiencing low-level anxiety, low mood and emerging emotional wellbeing needs. Students can access targeted sessions delivered within school where appropriate.
Impact Barnet
For students experiencing more significant emotional difficulties, we can refer to Impact Barnet, who provide professional counselling, typically delivered over a block of 6–10 sessions.
Talk Listen Change
Talk Listen Change provides student-led counselling and therapeutic support, allowing young people to work through challenges at their own pace with a qualified counsellor.
Insight
We can also refer students to Insight, a specialist service supporting young people with concerns relating to alcohol, drugs and risk-taking behaviours. These sessions take place in school.
Working Together with Families
Parents and carers are central to supporting a child's mental health. Wherever possible, we work closely with families to understand a student's strengths, identify concerns early and agree the most appropriate support.
If you are worried about your child's emotional wellbeing, we encourage you to contact your child's Head of House in the first instance. Together, we can discuss your concerns and agree the most appropriate next steps.
At Wren Academy Enfield, no student is expected to face challenges alone. Through our relational approach, strong pastoral care and graduated support pathways, we are committed to ensuring that every young person feels safe, understood and able to flourish.