Mental Health & Wellbeing

The Mental Health and Wellbeing of all pupils, and staff, sits at the heart of our school’s vision and strategy as we recognise that it underpins their academic, social and co-curricular development and success.”

“The Mental Health and Wellbeing of all pupils, and staff, sits at the heart of our School’s vision and strategy as we recognise that it underpins their academic, social and co-curricular development and success. All pupils are encouraged to speak openly about their physical and mental health and are taught how to seek help, and how to help themselves. As a school we are committed to improving our wellbeing provision as evidenced by our opening of a dedicated Wellbeing Centre, and our engagement with the Wellbeing Award for Schools.”
Dr Laura Pugsley, Deputy Head (Safeguarding and Wellbeing)

Wellbeing Centre

The opening of our dedicated Wellbeing Centre in September 2021 is testament to our commitment to our pupils’ mental health and wellbeing. The Centre offers a quiet space, complete with its own kitchen and garden, for pupils to take a break from the busy school day, attend specific groups or activities, or to seek support. Supervised by our Wellbeing Centre team, the centre is open during the school day, as well as on advertised evenings and weekends, and is also home to our Counselling Service.

The house system plays an integral role in monitoring the mental health of our pupils. The majority of our teaching staff are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, enabling them to spot early signs and offer initial support and advice as part of our day-to-day pastoral care.

Pupils with more specific needs can access support through our medical or counselling teams, and the School has very close links with CAMHS and the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Following feedback from our school community, we have joined forces with TeenTips to provide their Wellbeing Hubs to our pupils, parents and the whole staff body. This platform offers relevant, up-to-date resources and information for each constituency and will empower all to support their own mental health and wellbeing, and that of others. We are especially pleased that parents are included here and hope that many of them will take advantage of the webinars and online support offered through the Wellbeing Hub.

Phones, Sleep and Health Eating

Our support of pupil wellbeing extends into our policies and routines regarding their daily activities. We have a strict policy on mobile phones to enable pupils to sleep properly at night and to engage fully in the busy life of school. It is the Haileybury ethos to get involved and try new things, to broaden horizons and gain new experiences.

Remaining physically fit and having an outlet for potential stress or anxiety is extremely important in a rigorous academic environment and the co-curricular provision plays a vital role in this.

As well as being active, we expect all pupils to fuel their bodies and brains properly by eating regularly and healthily. Working with our Catering team from Chartwells Independent, the Dining Hall provides a fantastic spread of food, catering for all pupils, including those with dietary requirements. Attendance at all three meals from Monday through Saturday and at brunch and dinner on Sunday, is compulsory.