In today’s educational landscape, the importance of fostering good mental health in schools cannot be overstated. Rose Hill School is deeply committed to ensuring that our pupils’ mental well-being is prioritised, creating an environment where every pupil feels heard, valued, and supported. We understand that mental health is not just about responding to challenges but also about proactively creating a culture of emotional well-being, where pupils thrive both academically and personally.

At the core of our approach to mental health is the listening and validating of ‘pupil voice’. We believe that ensuring pupils feel listened to is the foundation for good mental health. By actively seeking their opinions and feedback, we empower pupils to take ownership of their school experience.

We endeavour to ensure that every pupil at Rose Hill has a close connection with their Form Tutor, someone they see daily and trust. The class teachers in PrePrep or Form tutors in Prep school are the first point of contact for pupils to share any concerns, ideas, or issues. Building these relationships ensures that every child has a trusted adult they can turn to.

We also offer drop-in sessions with our dedicated pastoral staff allowing pupils to seek support whenever they need it. Additionally, unique approaches like assigning a pupil their own active listener or “Dog Walks and Talks” with Mrs. Scarbrough provide informal opportunities for pupils to discuss their feelings in a relaxed, setting, which can be particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to be open in classroom settings.

For pupils needing more specialised support, we have staff trained in ‘Draw and Talk Therapy’, a method that helps children express their emotions in non-verbal ways. This is especially useful for younger pupils or those who struggle with articulating their thoughts and feelings.

At Rose Hill, we recognise the importance of leadership in promoting well-being. From an early age, pupils are encouraged to take on roles of responsibility, from being the Golden helper in the Later year to a specific role of responsibility in Year 8, where we create a culture of pupil leadership. Each student is assigned a specific area of responsibility, such as: E-Safety Lead, Head of House, Librarian, a Subject Lead, where pupils support younger pupils in their chosen curriculum areas or we also have Wellbeing Ambassadors, who are keen to introduce initiatives such as starting an art activity for younger pupils during lunchtimes.

These roles give pupils ownership of their school environment and promote self-confidence, responsibility, and community spirit—all key contributors to good mental health.

We are proud of our inclusive approach, particularly with the variety of school clubs available to all year groups. Inclusivity at Rose Hill means ensuring every pupil has access to activities that promote socialisation, creativity, and relaxation. From woodland club, sewing, sports teams to eco-clubs, we offer something for everyone.

Our various school committees such as the Anti-bullying Committee, Eco-committee, and the School Council give pupils direct channels to interact with staff, voice their ideas, and see real change implemented across the school. Feedback loops are key: regular updates ensure that pupils know their suggestions are being heard, considered, and, where appropriate, acted upon. This transparency builds trust and strengthens their sense of belonging.

We recognise that mental health is intricately connected to physical health. Our School Nurse is trained to spot early signs and symptoms of poor mental health and understand how it may impact pupils’ overall well-being. Early intervention ensures that issues are addressed before they escalate, while our Designated Mental Health Lead (DMHL) oversees our comprehensive approach to mental health.

Transitioning to a new school can be daunting, but we make this process smoother by assigning a ‘buddy’ to all new pupils upon their arrival. These buddies help new pupils adjust to routines, answer questions, and serve as a friendly face, ensuring that every child feels welcomed and supported from day one.

Promoting mindfulness strategies are integrated within our curriculum, helping pupils develop lifelong skills in managing stress and anxiety. Meanwhile, staff members receive mental health first aid training, ensuring that our entire team is equipped to respond sensitively and effectively to any emerging mental health issues.

In addition, we have a parent portal called SchoolTV. The SchoolTV platform provides the school community with an extensive range of wellbeing resources for parents, so they can work together in partnership to ensure better wellbeing for all our pupils.

For more serious concerns, we ensure open and clear communication with parents. After consultation, if a pupil’s issue is prolonged or significantly impacting their daily routines, we can refer them to our school counsellor for further support.

At Rose Hill, we are deeply committed to creating a safe environment, both physically and emotionally where pupils feel secure, supported, and ready to learn. We know that a school where pupils feel safe is a school where they can concentrate on their academic learning and thrive in all areas of their development.

Ultimately, what makes Rose Hill a mentally healthy school is our genuine dedication to listening to our pupils. We value what they tell us about their experiences and are committed to taking meaningful action based on their feedback. This culture of trust, openness, and support is what ensures that Rose Hill continues to be a place where mental health is prioritised, nurtured, and safeguarded.