Dr Lucy Taylor
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
DClinPsych.MPhil.(Cantab.)PGDip.CBT
Specialising in emotional and behavioural problems
Emotional Health in Schools
I provide training in schools around emotional health, mindfulness and mental health issues. I am keen to develop early intervention for children and adolecents through working within schools, as well as supporting staff and parents/carers.
Why is emotional health important in schools?
Emotional health and wellbeing is an important part of school life for staff, children and parents/carers. Increasing academic pressure in general is leading to high levels of anxiety and distress in children. Left unchecked at a young age can lead to lead to deeper, embedded issues as the child becomes adolescent. There is a vast array of evidence to support the teaching of emotional and mental health from an early age. This equips children to learn about who they are and provide them with skills for life.
Research tells us that poor mental health undermines educational attainment and that students who receive social‐emotional support and prevention services achieve better academically.
Carter review of initial teacher training (ITT) (January 2015) and the Department of Education: Mental health and behaviour in schools (March 2015) highlight that schools must have in place:
• A secure understanding of how a range of factors can inhibit pupils’ ability to learn.
•To demonstrate an awareness of the physical, social and intellectual development of children.
•To learn how development underpins the understanding of other issues such as behaviour and mental health.
Emotional wellbeing brings:
Children:
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Improved academic attainment
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Life skills
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Good problem solving skills
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Managing emotions
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Confidence
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Happiness
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Resilience
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Learning about how to make healthy choices and maintain healthy boundaries
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Strategies to support themselves and others
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Development of social and emotional skills
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A good attitude to learning
Staff:
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Reduced stress
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Improved sickness and absence record
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Improved performance
I am currently working within several schools in Surrey and Kent. Please contact me if you would like further information and I would be happy to come and visit you at school to discuss further.