Merryfields School is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment where all pupils can thrive. We empower pupils through promoting respect, kindness, and responsible digital citizenship, supported by the collaborative efforts of staff, families, the Local Academy Board, and the Manor Hall Academy Trust.
Recognising the crucial link between positive behaviour and mental wellbeing, we are committed to a whole-school approach that prioritises the mental health of all pupils and staff. This approach is underpinned by proactive strategies and practices designed to foster good mental health and wellbeing. We acknowledge that pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), particularly those with Autism, are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health challenges (Mental Health Foundation, 2022). Therefore, we strive to provide timely and appropriate support for all members of our school community affected by mental health issues.
Our school holds PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Trained status, ensuring staff are skilled in both positive behaviour support and approved, safe methods for managing behaviour, aligned with BILD and Restraint Reduction Network standards. We adopt a collaborative, child-centred approach to behaviour management, prioritizing a gradient response that emphasizes proactive strategies, in line with PROACT-SCIPr-UK® principles. We work together to:
- Ensure a safe, nurturing environment with robust safeguarding.
- Promote individual wellbeing, acknowledging SEND and trauma.
- Develop positive behaviours and social skills.
- Maintain consistent positive behaviour support.
- Implement robust incident reporting, especially for restrictive interventions.
- Foster strong home-school partnerships for consistent behaviour management.
- Provide ongoing staff training on behaviour, trauma, and SEND.
- Promote positive community interaction.
- Identify and support mental health needs.
- Implement a whole-school mental health and wellbeing approach.
- Educate pupils on emotions, addressing stigma through curriculum.
- Build pupils’ resilience to change and adversity.
- Empower pupils to share their experiences.
- Raise mental health awareness, linked to safeguarding.
- Provide swift response to emerging mental health concerns.
- Engage in community-building mental health activities.
- Celebrate individual differences, ensuring respect.
- Value and celebrate non-academic achievements.
- Increase awareness of early mental health warning signs.