Wellbeing Hub

Meet Mrs Hough – Pastoral Lead

Mrs Hough is our dedicated Pastoral Lead, working closely with Mrs Fate, our SENDCo, to support the wellbeing and mental health of all our children. Her role is to ensure that every child can thrive socially and emotionally, by delivering programmes, interventions, and tailored support to meet individual needs.

As an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), Mrs Hough has received continued training from educational psychologists and is skilled in providing targeted support to help children manage emotions, build resilience, and develop positive relationships. She is also trained in Drawing and Talking play therapy, a child-centred approach that allows children to express feelings safely and creatively.

We also work with a range of external agencies as part of our graduated approach, including the Mental Health Support Team, Parenting 2000 counselling services, and specialist play therapists. This collaborative approach ensures that children and families receive the right support at the right time.

At our school, we understand that sometimes the most important support is simply knowing that a trusted adult is there to listen. Mrs Hough’s work helps children feel safe, understood, and supported, giving them the confidence to grow both emotionally and socially.

Mental Health Support Team working in St Monica's

Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs)

Our school is supported by Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) as part of the Mental Health Support Team (MHST).

EMHPs work with children and young people who may be experiencing mild to moderate difficulties with their emotional wellbeing — such as worry, anxiety, low mood, or challenges managing emotions. They offer early support through one-to-one sessions, small group work, and workshops for pupils, parents, and staff.

The aim of the service is to help children and young people build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and access help early before problems become more serious.

EMHPs work closely with school staff and families to promote a whole-school approach to wellbeing, ensuring that mental health is supported alongside learning and development.

If you’d like to find out more about how EMHPs can support your child, please contact Mrs Hough or Mrs Fate.

National Helplines – for adults and children

Please click on the links in the titles below and take a look at the following websites. As a school we are well aware that parents may require support from agencies for their child attending school, a sibling, family member or themselves. There are a combination of websites for children and adults that you may find helpful. These are targeted sites to help and support all aspects of mental health from birth to adulthood.

Childline

A place a child or young person can talk to someone about something they are worried about. They can do this online or over the phone. (call 08001111)

NSPCC

This charity works against child abuse - a helpline is available for parents or other adults concerned about a child (0808 8025544).

The Samaritans

A confidential helpline which offers support and advice to those in emotional distress. (call 116 123)

Young Minds Parentline

Offers information and advice to anyone worried about a child or young person under the age of 25. (call 0808 802 5544)

Papyrus

Charity working to prevent young suicide with a helpline for those worried about themselves or someone they know (call 0800 068 4141; text 0778 620 9697).