Wellbeing

Wellbeing & Mental Health Support at Ormiston Park Academy

Mission Statement

Ormiston Park Academy’s Mental Health and Wellbeing provision was the first of its kind within the Ormiston Academies Trust. We remain deeply committed to making a meaningful difference to the lives of all young people in our community. Our ethos, Believe and Achieve, guides our work every day.

We believe strongly in teamwork. We work closely with one another, with teachers and colleagues across the school, and with the wider community. Most importantly, we work in genuine partnership with the young people we serve.

We act with determination, empathy and compassion. Whatever challenges our students, their families, the school or the community may face, we support, respond and pull together. We are committed to building a resilient culture rooted in empathy and positivity. We are not passive observers in young people’s lives; we are active participants who make a real difference.

This commitment is reflected in our curriculum intent and in our PARK values: Perseverance, Aspiration, Responsibility and Knowledge. As a community, we are determined to ensure that every young person believes in themselves and achieves their full potential.

Meet the wellbeing team

Role
Designated Senior Mental Health LeadSamantha Mussenden
Designated Safeguarding leadsSusan Gakungu
Lynsey Padmore
Humayun Rashid
Email: [email protected]
Heads of LearningMr. Clark (Head of Learning Year 7)
Mr. Chowdhary (Head of Learning Year 8)
Mr. Samuel (Head of Learning Year 9)
Ms. Hewlett (Head of Learning Year 10)
Ms. Collins (Head of Learning Year 11)
Pastoral Support TeamFiona Taylor
Lucille Onyema
Laura Brace
  • The child is at the centre of every conversation and every decision.
  • We prioritise those who need support most, while promoting positive mental health for all.
  • Social, emotional and mental health awareness is embedded across the curriculum.
  • Children and young people are explicitly taught the skills to build resilience and manage everyday stress.
  • Staff wellbeing, resilience and mental health are actively supported and addressed.
  • Our highly trained Pastoral Team delivers targeted one‑to‑one interventions in each year group, using specialist resources and expertise from OATNet.
  • Records and notes are kept accurate and up to date.
  • All staff read and understand Section One of Keeping Children Safe in Education.
  • Staff are familiar with, and follow, all behaviour, attendance and safeguarding policies.
  • The wider school community has an active and valued voice in shaping our mental health and wellbeing work.
  • All external mental health interventions are monitored to ensure quality, impact and safeguarding.
  • Staff access regular training through the National College and bespoke CPD led by the Senior Mental Health Lead.
  • Speaking to one another with courtesy, respect and empathy underpins everything we do.
  • Pupils and their parents are actively involved in decision‑making at every stage.
  • Pupils’ needs are identified early to ensure timely and appropriate support.
  • We work closely with education, health and social care services to provide coordinated support when needed.
  • We have a longstanding partnership with the NHS Mental Health Support Team, who are regularly on site supporting targeted pupils with low‑level mental health concerns.
  • Our referral pathways include pastoral mentoring and specialist interventions delivered by qualified mental health practitioners.
  • We work with Southend, Essex and Thurrock CAMHS, Open Door, St Luke’s Hospice and other agencies to ensure pupils and their parents have greater choice, control and access to support.
  • Childline: 0800 1111 | childline.org.uk
  • Samaritans: 116 123 | samaritans.org.uk
  • Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 | giveusashout.org.uk
  • Papyrus: hopeline 24/7 0800 068 4141

In an Emergency

Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact your local NHS Mental Health Crisis Team.
– www.thurrock.gov.uk/mental-health/community-mental-health
Phone Number: 01375 402 276

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