Etwall Primary School

External Support

Signposting, Early Identification and Partnership Working

Signposting Support

At Etwall Primary, we are committed to ensuring that pupils, staff and families are aware of the wide range of support available both within school and in the local community.

We make sure that everyone understands:

  • What support is available
  • Who it is for
  • How to access it
  • Why it may be helpful
  • What to expect next

Information about available support is outlined in Appendix 2 of our Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy. There is also a Staff Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Policy.

We actively promote support by:

  • Displaying information in key areas such as entrance halls, classrooms and staff rooms
  • Sharing information through assemblies, PSHE lessons and wider curriculum opportunities
  • Regularly highlighting support pathways to encourage pupils to seek help when needed

 

Identifying Needs and Warning Signs

We recognise the importance of early identification. If a member of staff becomes aware of any warning signs that a pupil may be experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties, they will:

  • Record observations on CPOMS
  • Share concerns promptly with a member of the Safeguarding Team

This ensures that concerns are responded to quickly and appropriate support can be put in place.

 

Working with Other Agencies and Partners

As part of our graduated and targeted approach, we work closely with a range of external agencies to support children’s emotional health and wellbeing. These include:

  • Umbrella
  • Compass Changing Lives
  • The School Nurse
  • Educational Psychology Services
  • Inclusion Support Advisory Services
  • Paediatricians
  • CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) consultations
  • Early Help through Starting Point, including referrals to Family Support Workers

CAMHS

A CAMHS consultation arranged in school may mean a referral is needed to CAMHS. CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. They are a specialist NHS service offering assessment and treatment when children and young people have emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. (CAMHS) Specialist Community Advisers are a team of qualified professionals who are all experienced in working in the field of child and adolescent mental health.

 A referral needs to be made to Derbyshire Single Point of Access (SPOA) – Specialist Children Services after an initial CAMHS consultation. Referrals are accepted from health, social care, educational (SENCo) or third sector professionals.

 Referrals are assessed by a multi- agency team as part of the Children’s Services Single Point of Access (SPOA). The Single Point of Access panel (SPOA) consists of Community Paediatricians, the CAMHS team, Clinical Psychologists, Neurodevelopmental Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists and Neurodevelopmental Pathway Coordinators. All information is assessed by the team to help decide which pathway would suit the child or young person best.

By working in partnership with families and external professionals, we ensure that every child receives timely, appropriate support to help them feel safe, supported and ready to learn

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