At The Livity School the mental health and wellbeing of both our pupils and staff is of primary importance. 

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We are committed to preventing mental health and wellbeing difficulties through the creation and nurturing of a safe and calm environment where mental health issues are less likely to emerge. We aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the school community and instil resilience in pupils. 

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At The Livity we have a Mental Health Lead, who works alongside a team of wellbeing champions and internal and external professionals. There is a focus on promoting pupils’ resilience, ability to regulate and confidence. We endeavour to promote good mental health and enhance pupils’ social skills, through one-to-one, group and intervention work. 

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The Mental Health Lead liaises with health and social care professionals, pupils and parents to ensure the needs of pupils with mental health and wellbeing difficulties are effectively supported.

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We use a preventative approach at The Livity which includes teaching pupils about mental wellbeing through the curriculum and reinforcing these messages in our activities and ethos. By equipping staff with the knowledge required, early and accurate identification of emerging problems is enabled. The Livity School provides early support for pupils experiencing mental health and wellbeing difficulties by:

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       raising awareness

       employing efficient referral systems

       evidence-based early support

       intervention programs.

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We ensure that all staff have a good understanding of the mental health support services that are available in their local area, both through the NHS and voluntary sector organisations.  We also promote the use of external agencies which the school provides for all staff who are experiencing difficulties. We hold regular staff wellbeing activities within directed time and host a weekly staff mindfulness club. 

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Each half-term, the school has a focused week on mental health and wellbeing. Pupils participate in activities themed around mental wellbeing strategies such as a mindfulness or resilience. Each day has a different theme of activities and resources. 

At The Livity we appreciate the role that families play in supporting mental wellbeing and the stress that many of our families may suffer. We therefore provide a family wellbeing group lead by our Mental Health Lead which meets every half term. The group is an opportunity to learn more about how to promote good mental health and to try different wellbeing strategies. ​

The Livity has strong links with external agencies. The school can provide swift access to and referrals for specialist support and treatment for pupils and their families.

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We have established and maintained a culture of high expectations for our pupils including pupils with mental health and wellbeing difficulties, providing them with all the opportunities available to other pupils.

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At The Livity we deliver Dance Movement Psychotherapy. Pupils can access this service through a referral system within the school. Dance Movement Psychotherapy enables individuals to express themselves creatively, foster relationships, work through their difficulties and develop their strengths. The combination of movement and psychotherapy can provide a powerful medium through which individuals are encouraged to express and explore their emotional, physical and social selves. Using movement, the child is encouraged to communicate what they are thinking and feeling in their own way. In a safe, therapeutic environment, they are supported in exploring the meaning of their movement, developing their personal resources, and identifying creative ways of adapting and living in the world.

In 2024 we achieved the Wellbeing Award for Schools. The report stated

“The portfolio evidence was succinct and, along with the tour and stakeholder meetings, showcased a school that is fully committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health (EWMH) of all its stakeholders. In a sense, this is Livity’s primary focus as so much of their work with children revolves around the development of the confidence and skills that will help them to live as independently as possible – along with the ability to make appropriate choices, self-regulate and, above all, gain satisfaction and fulfilment from pursuing activities they enjoy.”