Children at High Risk of Harm

CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL VULNERABLITIES

At Manorfield we recognise that all children are vulnerable, but some children may be more vulnerable than others and the risk of harm is higher amongst this group of children. This includes children with physical and cognitive disabilities, mental health needs, young carers, Children known to a Social Worker, Looked After Children and Care Leavers, children who are absent from education/missing education and those who are home educated. Girls are also more at risk of abuse and significant harm in comparison to boys.

Current Mental Health Concerns

Mental health concerns among primary school children are significant, with data suggesting that more than one in ten primary school children (aged 5–10) has an identifiable mental health condition—approximately three children in every class.
At Manorfield Primary School, we recognise and respond to mental health concerns as a part of our overall safeguarding responsibility. Our staff receive regular training to identify children presenting with potential signs of emotional dysregulation and this is monitored/recorded and reported to the DSL to respond to as a safeguarding concern.

We work in partnership with parents and external services to offer the child/young person the right support to reduce emotional distress and promote better mental health.

Our mental health lead is Ms Bianca Hulstrom and our deputy mental health lead is Ms Lisa Tew who are the first point of contact for staff and parents with concerns about mental health.

Mental health issues are often first established in childhood, making early intervention critical. Common concerns for this age group include:

Anxiety Disorders: This can manifest as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), but also separation anxiety, especially in younger children or those transitioning school years.  Hyperkinetic Disorder/ADHD: Characterized by motor hyperactivity, attention deficits, and impulsive behavior. This significantly impacts their ability to cope with structured
school environments.
Depression: While more common in teenagers, it does affect primary-aged children and is reported as being twice as prevalent in girls as in boys.
Conduct Disorders and Emotional Problems: Difficulties with behavior, relationships, and emotional regulation, often measured using tools like the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).
Learning Disorders: While not purely a mental illness, issues like dyslexia and dyscalculia can significantly affect a child's mental health, leading to lower self-confidence and difficulties forming peer networks.

Contributing Factors

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Experiences like abuse and neglect significantly increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Socio-economic Factors: Children in care, young carers, and those facing poverty or homelessness are more likely to experience mental health difficulties.
Education and School: Children with probable mental disorders are seven times more likely to miss more than 15 days of school compared to their peers. They also report fewer positive feelings about school, including feeling less safe and enjoying learning less.

Support Services for Primary School Children

Schools play a vital role in both early identification and support. A whole-school approach to mental health is considered the most effective way to help.

School-Based Support

Tower Hamlets Education Wellbeing Service (THEWS)
THEWS is a Mental Health Support Team operating in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is run by the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) in partnership with local organisations.
It is an early intervention mental health service for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. It is not for severe or crisis cases.
Main goal is to help children and young people get earlier access to mental health support and to help schools develop a whole school approach to well-being.
Interventions for children in primary school (ages 5-11) are primarily parent-led support for parents/carers dealing with their child's anxiety or behavioural issues. Direct work with children is more common in secondary schools.
School Support: Offers advice, consultations, and staff training to promote a positive mental health culture across the entire school.
Exclusion Criteria: The service is not suitable for children with severe mental health needs, active safeguarding concerns, or those currently receiving specialist support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
In-School Counselling: We have our school-based counsellor offering one-to-one counselling, as well as support for parents and staff training.
Staff Training: Teachers and support staff are trained to promote well-being, recognise signs of distress, and integrate mental health topics into the curriculum (e.g., Relationships, Sex, and Health Education).

External and Specialist Services

Local charities and organisations provide accessible, non-clinical support.
 Step Forward

What they offer: A local charity providing free, confidential support for young people aged 11-25. Services include counselling, well-being and mental health support, group work, and support for LGBTQ+ young people.
How to access: Contact them directly. Note that services like counselling may have a waiting list.

 Kooth

What they offer: A free, anonymous online platform for young people aged 11-25 who live or study in Tower Hamlets. It provides online counselling with qualified mental health professionals, a safe, moderated community, and self-
help tools.
How to access: Self-registration via the Kooth website.

Children and Adult Mental Health Project (CHAMP)
What they offer: Focuses on families where there is an adult with mental illness. They provide early interventions for children (aged 0-18) living with parental mental illness to reduce risk and build resilience.
How to access: Self-referral, or via a GP or other professional.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
What they offer: Specialist assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of mental health problems, including severe depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, psychosis, and complex emotional and behavioural issues. They provide therapeutic interventions delivered by a multidisciplinary team (psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, mental health nurses, etc.).
How to access: Referrals can be made by GPs, schools, social workers, or other professionals. Secondary school-age young people (11-18) can also self-refer by calling the CAMHS duty number. Contact: Tower Hamlets CAMHS, 18 Greatorex Street, E1 5NF. Phone: 0207 426 2375.

Crisis Support
For urgent mental health concerns where there is a risk to safety, you should contact the NHS 111 service and select Option 2 for the East London mental health crisis line. In a medical emergency, call 999. Please explore this link for further information and self-help advise on mental health concerns
https://www.localoffertowerhamlets.co.uk/pages/local-offer/health/health-resources

National Charities and Helplines:

Organizations like Childline, Young Minds, and the NSPCC offer direct support, advice, and resources to children and parents.

Childline is the UK's free, confidential, 24-hour counselling service for children and young people. It is provided by the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children).
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/mental-health/

Young Minds is the UK's leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. Their core mission is to ensure that all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what, and to stop young people's mental health from reaching crisis point.
The charity works across three main areas: providing direct support, empowering young people's voices, and driving systemic change through campaigning.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

Shout refers to Shout 85258, which is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. It provides in-the-moment support for people experiencing a mental health crisis or distress. You start a conversation by texting the word SHOUT to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are available day or night.
https://giveusashout.org/