Supporting Student Wellbeing
At West Lakes Academy, we are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally. We recognise that mental health plays a vital role in a young person’s development, and we offer a range of services to promote wellbeing and provide support to those facing challenges.
Maintaining regular routines, such as attending school and engaging in lessons can be a powerful way to support mental health. Alongside this, our academy provides targeted support to help students build resilience and access the help they need.
Where to Find Support:
Support is available from several key members of our academy community:
- Form Tutors Often the first point of contact, form tutors are available to discuss any concerns. Mental health can be affected by a variety of factors, including bereavement, family separation, significant life changes, abuse, domestic violence, or bullying.
- Year Leads Year Leads offer guidance and act as a bridge between home and school, helping to coordinate care and ensure students feel supported both academically and personally.
- PD and PE Staff These teams work with all students in Years 7–11 and have a strong understanding of mental health and wellbeing. Their lessons promote resilience, self-awareness, and healthy habits.
- Ms Tuck Available for both physical and mental first aid, Ms Tuck provides immediate care and reassurance when students need it most.
- Miss Stabler and Miss Shaw Leading our mental health and wellbeing initiatives, they are passionate about supporting students and are always happy to help in any way they can.
Mental Health Trained Staff
Many of our staff are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, ensuring that students have access to informed, compassionate support throughout their time at the academy.
Each year group also benefits from a dedicated pastoral lead, ensuring students have access to bespoke guidance tailored to their individual needs.
Wellbeing is woven into the daily tutor programme, with regular sessions designed to encourage reflection, connection, and emotional awareness. All students also take part in weekly Personal Development lessons, which focus on building resilience, self-esteem, and life skills.
To further strengthen our support network, the academy works in close partnership with a range of external agencies. These include Family Action, Together We, Barnardo’s, Social Prescribers, My Time, and CAMHS. Through these collaborations, we ensure that students receive the right level of care and intervention when needed. You can find links to these agencies and more below.
