In Holyrood Secondary School we place the care and safety of our young people as our highest priority.
School staff or parents may become aware of warning signs which indicate a young person is experiencing mental health or emotional wellbeing issues. These warning signs should always be taken seriously and staff observing any of these warning signs should communicate their concerns to Pastoral Care Staff or Child Protection DHT: Joe Roy.
Possible warning signs include:
- Evident changes in behaviour
- Physical signs of harm that are repeated or appear non-accidental
- Changes in eating / sleeping habits
- Increased isolation from friends or family, becoming socially withdrawn
- Changes in activity and mood
- Reduced concentration
- Lowering of academic achievement
- Talking, joking or researching about self-harm or suicide
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
- Expressing feelings of failure, uselessness or loss of hope
- Changes in clothing – e.g. long sleeves in warm weather
- Secretive behaviour
- Skipping PE or getting changed secretively
- An increase in lateness to or absence from school
- Repeated physical pain or nausea with no evident cause
- Spending more time at the bathroom
- Discontinued hobbies or interests
- Failure to take care of personal appearance
The presentation attached below will give you the information on what to do in the event of a concern. This gives information on procedures and the names of Pastoral Care Staff for each year group.