Student Wellbeing
Wellbeing is extremely important to us at Harris Academy Merton. Nationally, we recognise that the context surrounding wellbeing and mental health has changed significantly, and an increasing number of people are experiencing mental health challenges.
We take great pride in the way we support the children in our care. There is nothing more important than keeping them safe, happy, and healthy; while ensuring they have the best possible environment for learning as we prepare them for adult life.
The Academy has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure the welfare of all our students. Several of these policies set clear expectations around behaviour, including positive learning behaviours in and around the Academy, as well as appropriate communication and conduct towards other students and staff. These standards help ensure that everyone feels safe and able to learn.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the welfare of your son or daughter, please contact their Form Tutor in the first instance.
If you would like to speak to someone else, you may contact the relevant Faculty Assistant Principal.
Blue Faculty: Mr Semple - SempleJ@harrismerton.org.uk - 020 8623 1000
Green Faculty: Ms Umanithan - UmanithanT@harrismerton.org.uk - 020 8623 1000
Red Faculty: Ms Neal - NealJ@harrismerton.org.uk - 020 8623 1000
Yellow Faculty: Ms Power - PPower@harrismerton.org.uk - 020 8623 1000
The Designated Lead for Mental Health and Well-Being
Mr Adair - 0208 623 5503 / adairj@harrismerton.org.uk
Harris Academy Merton aims to create a climate where children and adults understand the importance of wellbeing.
We aim to support all students in reaching the best possible outcomes during their education.
We recognise that we have a full and active part to play in protecting our students from issues which may arise surrounding mental health and self-injury.
Helpful Links
The Merton Mental Health Directory for young people can be found here and provides a list of local services.
Further information for young people in Merton can be located here.
- www.minded.org.uk - Mental Health advice for all
- www.relate.org.uk - Support and advice on mental health issues
- www.stonewall.org.uk - Support for LGBT young people, as well as families
- www.samaritans.org – Support available 24 hours a day
- www.rethink.or.uk – Support and guidance and helpline
- www.youngminds.org.uk – Child and adolescent website
- www.stem4.org.uk – Teenage Mental health Charity
The NHS has created new website, bestforyou to support, students, parents/ carers and professionals to make it easier for you to find out the support you need. It includes information about mental health, digital tools for anyone in the UK and personalised mental health service
We work closely with Off the Record
Webinars/Online workshops - https://www.talkofftherecord.org/sign-up/online-workshops/
Support line hours - https://www.talkofftherecord.org/support-line/
YOUNG PEOPLE FROM HARRIS ACADEMY MERTON TRAINED TO TACKLE BULLYING WITH THE DIANA AWARD
Please find our student designed Anti bullying leaflet below and link to our Anti-bullying video here.
On Wednesday 18th May 2022, the Safeguarding Ambassadors took part in a one-day anti-bullying training session run by The Diana Award. Our Safeguarding Ambassadors aged 11 to 17, worked together and acquired vital skills to enable them to change the attitudes and behaviours of bullying by building their skills and confidence to address different situations, both online and off.
The Diana Award’s free Anti-Bullying Ambassador Programme which is available to schools across the UK, sees trainers working with students and other young people to change attitudes surrounding bullying. The programme has a strong peer-to-peer focus, with trainers giving young people the skills and confidence to become Anti-Bullying Ambassadors to tackle bullying in their schools long after the training has finished. The Diana Award’s anti-bullying work is recognised as world-class thanks to this sustainable approach.
The training looked at bullying in different situations including face-to-face and online. At the end of the day, our Safeguarding Ambassadors made an action plan of how to approach bullying issues that may arise in our Academy and committed to their roles as Anti-Bullying Ambassadors.
What Did Our Students Say?
The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassador programme is run by the charity, The Diana Award. The Diana Award was founded as a legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better. Its mission is to foster, develop and inspire positive change in the lives of young people.
Excellent attendance is the expectation at Harris Academy Merton. The expectation is that students attend every day unless they are unwell, in which case parents or carers are expected to contact the Academy before 9.00am on each morning of absence.
To report an absence, please contact Mrs K Murphy, our Attendance Officer, on 0208 623 1009.
Medical Appointments
Whenever possible, the Academy asks that medical appointments be made out of school hours. If an in-hours appointment is unavoidable, proof of the appointment will be required (appointment card/letter).
Punctuality
Being punctual to school is just as important as attending every day. We work hard to ensure that all students arrive on time, and we make it very clear to students that there are consequences if they fail to meet this expectation. Parent/carers should be aware that students will accumulate late marks, not just for arriving late at the Academy in the morning, but also being late for lesson registration. Students MUST be through the gate by 8.25am to avoid receiving a late detention.
Persistent Absence
Read the Government's guidance on Persistent Absence (PA) and about the decision to class students with 15% or greater absence as a PA student. The Government is currently considering moving this threshold to 10%.
Policies & Documents
Student Welfare
Downloads
| General Documents |
|---|
| Parent Carer Session St Giles Trust CCE |
| Anti Bullying Diana Award v1 |
| BinBullying |