Well-being and Mental Health

Dartford Grammar School is a community that cares. We are always there for our students and welcome the opportunity to work together with parents and carers to support their wellbeing.

The importance of wellbeing to our lives is addressed throughout the curriculum and reinforced in special assemblies, a programme of Mindfulness (Year 7) and a Wellbeing Week. We encourage our students to engage with the five ways to wellbeing (connect, get active, take notice, learn and give).

From time to time, some young people may go through periods of mental ill-health. We have a variety of approaches to support in school and can signpost or make referrals to outside agencies if needed. The school has two Senior Mental Health Leads who have undertaken specialist training in mental health, Ms Z Jestico (Designated Safeguarding Lead) and Miss Emily Collier (SENDCo). We also employ two professional counsellors from the Time2Talk counselling service. Should you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing or mental health, please contact your child’s Head of Year, or the Senior Mental Health Leads, who can be reached at safeguarding@dartfordgrammarschool.org.uk.

Information about our approaches to wellbeing and mental health, including spotting the signs of mental ill-health and recommended sources of information and support can be found in our Wellbeing and Mental Health Policy .

Families who have suffered a bereavement or who are likely to suffer a bereavement as a result of a life-limiting illness can find out more about the support we offer as well as links to local and national support in our Bereavement Policy. 

Let’s All Talk Mental Health

Parents and carers of students at our school can access the Let’s All Talk Mental Health hub free of charge where they will find a library of webinars on a wide range of mental health issues. These resources give in-depth information alongside practical advice and guidance on treatment. Log-in details are emailed to parents regularly. You can also contact safeguarding@dartfordgrammarschool.org.uk for help accessing this service.

Kooth

Kooth is a free, nationwide mental health support service for children and young people which can be accessed via any internet-connected tablet, computer or smartphone. There are no waiting lists or thresholds to meet and a referral from a medical professional is not needed. Your child can join Kooth anonymously simply by visiting www.kooth.com. 

For further information about this service please watch this short information video for parents and carers.