Mrs Morley, who is also an English teacher, has been attending a number of training sessions to enable her to offer the relevant support to students.

The World Health Organisation has defined mental health as 'a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.'

Mrs Morley said: 'Thomas Clarkson Academy is a school that understands the importance of good mental health and wellbeing for students and staff to be productive, ambitious and successful. 

'Besides teaching English, mental health is my passion! My Degree is in English and Psychology and my Postgraduate Diploma in Education includes School Counselling.  As the Mental Health Lead, my focus is developing new strategies to identify mental health issues early so that the appropriate support can be offered as soon as possible.

'Research shows that three children  in every classroom have a diagnosed mental health disorder and 50% of mental health problems are established before the age of 14.  Consequently, we are committed to addressing the negative pressures impacting our students and staff by empowering individuals with knowledge about good mental health and equipping them with the tools to build resilience, especially in light of the COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown.

'This academic year we are very pleased to be offering Mental Health and Wellbeing as part of the PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) curriculum as well as some early intervention, mentoring, after-school wellbeing activities and whole school initiatives like informative assemblies and student "Mental Health Champions".

'Here at Thomas Clarkson Academy we acknowledge the role of good mental health in enabling students to access and maximise on all the opportunities that good, quality education can provide in order to flourish and reach their full potential.' 

If you would like to contact Mrs Morley, email jmorley@thomasclarksonacademy.org.