Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) at St John with St Mark's

At St John with St Mark’s, we believe children’s wellbeing is at the heart of learning. Supporting social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) is just as important as supporting academic progress.

Our Approach

We follow a graduated response to ensure every child gets the right support at the right time:

• Universal: Whole-class strategies, SCARF curriculum, MyHappyMind, Emotionally Friendly Schools ethos.

• Targeted: Small group support, Thrive sessions, ELSA-style interventions, mentoring.

• Specialist: Referrals to external agencies such as Educational Psychology, CAMHS or Early Help 

We are a Thrive school. Thrive helps us to understand children’s emotional development and put the right support in place if things go off track. It provides practical strategies so staff can help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.  Mr Taylor (Year 4 class teacher) is our Thrive and SEMH Lead.  Parents/carers can contact the School Office if they would like to get in touch with Mr Taylor with any concerns or for guidance. 

SCARF Curriculum
SCARF (Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience, Friendship) is our whole-school PSHE and wellbeing programme. Every class takes part in weekly lessons covering: Me and My Relationships, Valuing Difference, Keeping Myself Safe, Rights and Responsibilities, Being My Best, and Growing and Changing.

We celebrate our learning in a digital SCARF floorbook, which families can explore online.  Please click here to explore our SCARF floorbook

MyHappymind
MyHappymind helps children build resilience, confidence and self-awareness. It introduces neuroscience in a child-friendly way and provides resources that families can use at home.  

Parents/carers can download the app from their mobile app store and use our school code 133929 to access activities together. Please click here for the myHappymind website

Emotionally Friendly Schools (EFS)

We are working towards Emotionally Friendly Schools accreditation, which focuses on:

• Staff wellbeing and ethos

• Whole-school and classroom practice

• Assessing needs

• Supporting individual pupils 

Please click here to see our Engaging in the EFS Process certification

Pupil Voice
Children’s voices are central to our SEMH provision. They share their views through: worry boxes, “check and chat” sessions, School Council, SCARF champions, and pupil wellbeing surveys.

Support for Families
Families play a key role in wellbeing. Parents and carers can:

• Explore our SCARF floorbook and MyHappyMind app at home 

• Contact our SENDCO, Miss Taylor for advice and signposting

We also signpost to trusted organisations such as Young Minds, NHS Mental Health Services and local SEND/SEMH support.

• Young Minds - Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds
• NHS -  Children's mental health - Every Mind Matters - NHS
• NSPCC - Signs That a Child Is Suffering From Mental Health Issues | NSPCC
• Mind - A to Z of mental health | Information and support | Mind
• Bury CAMHS - Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Childline - Free counselling service for kids and young people | Childline
• Early Break - Substance use support and advocacy for young people and families