Our School Vision for Wellbeing
Our wellbeing vision is rooted in the values of truth, compassion, and respect. We encourage transparency by being honest and staying aware of our rights and responsibilities. We show compassion by caring for and valuing every member of our community. Through respect, we treat students and staff in ways that ensure each person feels genuinely seen and supported.
Wellbeing Award for Schools
At Charter Academy, we are proud to be working towards the Wellbeing Award for Schools, a nationally recognised accreditation that supports schools in developing a whole-school approach to mental health and emotional wellbeing.
The award is designed to ensure that wellbeing is not treated as a one-off initiative, but is instead embedded into the culture, values, and everyday practice of the school. It recognises schools that are committed to creating an environment where both students and staff feel supported, safe, and able to flourish.
Through this process, we are:
- Reviewing and strengthening our current wellbeing practices
- Developing clear systems for early identification and support
- Ensuring staff feel confident and equipped to support students’ needs
- Actively seeking feedback from students, staff, and parents to shape our approach
- Building a culture where wellbeing is prioritised alongside academic achievement
Working towards this award allows us to reflect on what we do well, identify areas for growth, and ensure that our provision is consistent, effective, and meaningful for all.
If you would like to read more about this award, please follow this link WAS - Wellbeing Award for Schools | AwardPlace
Mental Health
We promote positive mental health for every student and member of staff through a whole-school approach, alongside more targeted support for those who need it most.
Wellbeing is embedded across school life, including within our Personal, Social, Health and Economic curriculum, where students learn about:
- Managing emotions
- Building positive relationships
- Understanding mental health
- Developing resilience and coping strategies
We encourage open conversations about mental health and ensure students know how and where to seek support.
Place2Be
Ark Schools collaborate with the children's mental health charity Place2Be. At Ark Charter, we are incredibly lucky to have our very own Place2Be worker in school 5 days a week. Cheryl McBride is our Place2Be staff member. She is there to help students find ways to cope with difficult feelings or situations, so their worries don't get in the way of their friendships, their learning or how they feel about themselves. Place2Be's professionals work with individuals one-to-one or in small groups, giving regular support for pupils who need it. Place2Be always gets agreement from parents or carers before they support an individual through one-to-one counselling, and meet with parents or carers regularly to keep them updated.
Place2Be are here to facilitate & empower young people to find ways to cope, so their worries don’t get in the way of their friendships, their learning or confidence within themselves.
Visit place2be.org.uk or get in touch with our Place2Be staff member to find out more.
Physical activity
Physical wellbeing is a key part of healthy development. We encourage students to stay active and understand the benefits of regular exercise.
Through our curriculum and wider school opportunities, students take part in activities designed to improve:
- Flexibility: Supporting movement and reducing risk of injury
- Strength and Stamina: Building healthy muscles and endurance
- Aerobic Fitness: Keeping the heart and lungs strong
- Overall Fitness: Through a range of structured and engaging activities.
Our fitness programme is carefully designed to ensure exercise is safe, inclusive, and appropriate for all ages, focusing on enjoyment as well as physical development. If you would like to see what we offer, please click below.
Healthy eating
We recognise the importance of nutrition in supporting both physical health and concentration in learning.
At Charter, we pride ourselves on providing flavoursome, nutritionally balanced meals for our students.
Students can access:
- A hot meal option each day
- A selection of ‘Grab and Go’ choices, including baguettes
- Healthy snacks such as fruit and salad pots
We also run a Breakfast Club, where students can enjoy a free healthy, balanced meal.
Support and Guidance
Alongside the support available in school, we encourage families to access trusted organisations for advice and guidance. These organisations can help with a range of needs, from everyday worries to more complex challenges.
- Samaritans: Provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress.
Telephone: 116 123
Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/
- SANEline: is a national out-of-hours helpline offering emotional support, guidance, and information to anyone affected by mental illness.
Telephone: 0300 304 7000
Opening times: 4.30pm – 10pm, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.sane.org.uk/
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): runs a free, confidential, and anonymous helpline as well as a web chat service, offering help, advice, and information to anyone who us struggling or in crisis.
Telephone: 0800 58 58 58
Opening times: 5pm – midnight, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: a compassionate and understanding lifeline for those grappling with their mental wellbeing or thoughts of suicide.
Telephone: 0800 587 0800
Opening times: 6pm – midnight, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.spuk.org.uk/
- Childline: a counselling service for children and young people aged up to 18 provided by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Child (NSPCC).
Telephone: 0800 11 11
Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.childline.org.uk/
- Papyrus UK: confidential support and advice service for anyone aged under 35 who is experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Telephone: 0800 068 41 41
Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
- Switchboard: a national LGBTQIA+ support line and can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity.
Telephone: 0800 0119 100
Opening times: 10am – 10pm, 7 days a week
Website: https://switchboard.lgbt/
- SHOUT: A free, confidential, anonymous text service which won’t appear on your phone bill.
Contact: Text SHOUT to 85258
Emergency Help
- If you feel like harming or hurting yourself or others, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E).
If you need medical help but it’s not an emergency, call 111. This is a free NHS service where they will be able to direct you to your local crisis support services, and offer health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Hub of Hope
- Hub of Hope is a free, UK-based online directory that helps people find local mental health support services quickly and easily. Simply enter your postcode and what you are looking for, and it will show a range of support options nearby, including charities, NHS service, and community groups.
Website: https://hubofhope.co.uk