Mental Health and Wellbeing
Wellbeing at Fairfax
Our Commitment
Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to their community.
At Fairfax, we are committed to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing for all members of our school community. We foster an open and supportive culture, ensuring that wellbeing is prioritised and everyone has access to a safe, respectful environment.
Our Vision
To ensure that every member of the Fairfax community experiences an Ambitious, Respectful, Kind, and Safe environment in which they can thrive. We put safety, mental health, and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.
Through our ARKS ethos (Ambition, Respect, Kindness, Safety), students and staff are encouraged to show:
- Awareness: Everyone in our community—students, staff, parents, and carers—receives education around mental health and wellbeing.
- Support: We provide a wide range of internal and external resources to ensure everyone can access the support they need.
- Kindness: We promote a culture of kindness—toward ourselves and others—embedding wellbeing into the everyday life of our school.
Mental Health First Aiders
When there’s only one person available to turn to, seeking support can feel overwhelming. At Fairfax, we have a team of trained students and staff to ensure accessible, approachable support for everyone.
- More than 50 students are trained as Peer Mentors or Wellbeing Ambassadors.
- More than 12 staff members are trained in Mental Health First Aid.
Key Contacts:
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead and Mentor – Miss S. Smith
- Student Strategic Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead – Mrs J. Colbourne
- Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead – Mrs J. Mace
Wellbeing Resources and Support at Fairfax
Curriculum and Programmes
All students (KS3–KS5) receive dedicated education around wellbeing through:
- PSHE lessons
- Hot Topic tutor sessions
- Assemblies (led by internal and external speakers)
- Focus Weeks
- The myMindcoach programme
Extra-Curricular Activities
Students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities that support their mental health and wellbeing:
- Sports Clubs
- Creative and Performing Arts
- Library Access
- SEMH Centre
- Art Club
- PRIDE and Equalities Groups
- Academic Clubs
Pastoral and Specialist Support
Our experienced Pastoral Team, SEND Team, and mentors are always available to support students. If more targeted support is needed, our SEMH Centre and Breathe Hub offer:
- Small group sessions
- 1:1 mentoring
- Wellbeing interventions
We also work with external partners (with parental consent) to provide additional support on-site, including:
- YMCA
- Head Space
- Our Place
- Aquarius
Safeguarding Curriculum
Wellbeing and mental health are fully embedded into our Safeguarding Curriculum, aligned with key principles from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
This curriculum empowers students to understand safeguarding, wellbeing, and mental health as part of their daily learning experience.
External Wellbeing Resources and Support
We recommend the following external organisations and tools for students, staff, and parents/carers:
- Young Minds – Advice, resources, and helpline support
- NHS – Every Mind Matters – Tips for mental wellbeing
- HappyMaps – Mental health resources for parents
- MentalHealth.co.uk – Support for young people
- Young Minds Parent Helpline – Call 0808 802 5544 for confidential advice
- Kooth – Free online support for young people
Parental Information Guide on Child Mental Health
This guide includes:
- Common Issues – Learn about frequent mental health challenges in children
- Talking About Emotions – Guidance on starting meaningful conversations
- Emotional Resilience – Tools your child can use when facing challenges
- Magical Mindfulness – Tips to support emotional regulation
- Resources and Signposts – Where to turn for extra help and support:
https://www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/the-safest-start/parents-safeguarding-page-mental-health/
Wellbeing Award for Schools
Personal development and pastoral support was evaluated to be outstanding at Fairfax by Ofsted. We continue to work hard to ensure that all members of our school community thrive in all areas of school life, ensuing that safeguarding, wellbeing and mental health are at the heart of everything we do.
Due to the already recognised dedicated approach to these areas, we have decided to work alongside Award Place to achieve the nationally recognised award ‘Wellbeing Award for Schools’.
