Mental Health Policy

Aligned with AEGIS Standard 3.3

Introduction

Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd recognises the importance of mental health and emotional wellbeing to the overall development of young people. We are committed to providing a high standard of pastoral care, including mental health support, for international students under our care.

This policy outlines our approach to supporting students who present with mental health concerns and ensuring appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed in all cases. We aim to foster a culture where mental wellbeing is promoted, concerns are identified early, and students receive timely support.

Aims

●      To ensure students' mental health needs are recognised and addressed in a safe, confidential, and supportive manner.

●      To ensure all staff and homestays are trained to recognise signs of mental health issues.

●      To follow safeguarding procedures where concerns also relate to the student’s safety.

●      To work collaboratively with schools, parents, homestays, and external professionals.

●      To ensure student removal from school for mental health reasons follows a clear and documented procedure.

Procedures

Recognising Concerns

●      Staff and homestays are trained to observe behavioural signs that may suggest a student is experiencing mental health difficulties (e.g., social withdrawal, sudden mood changes, self-harm, anxiety, eating difficulties).

●      It is acknowledged that mental health problems can affect any young person, regardless of background, and can be an indicator of abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding Considerations

●      If a concern about a student’s mental health also constitutes a safeguarding issue, it must be reported immediately to the DSL , in accordance with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Ms Zhiying Zheng

●      Only appropriately trained professionals (e.g., GPs, counsellors, psychologists) should make a formal mental health diagnosis.

 Supporting Students

●      Students in distress are supported with sensitivity and care. Homestays and guardians work in partnership with schools and parents to ensure appropriate support is in place.

●      Where appropriate, Skywise may liaise with external agencies including:

o   Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

o   GPs or NHS Mental Health Services

o   Helplines such as Childline, Samaritans, YoungMinds

(See Appendix 1 for a full list of support services.)

Removal of Student from School

In the event that a student must be removed from the school setting due to mental health concerns:

●      A Student Removal Form (see Appendix 2) must be completed by a member of school staff and returned to the guardianship organisation.

●      This form provides context on the circumstances leading to the removal and helps ensure appropriate support is offered.

●      Skywise will assess the situation and make arrangements for care, counselling, or return home in consultation with all parties involved.

Homestays and Mental Health

Skywise may appoint a select number of experienced homestays with additional qualifications or relevant experience (e.g., mental health nursing, foster care) to care for students with known mental health concerns.

All homestays are given guidance on:

●      How to support students experiencing low mood, stress, or anxiety.

●      When and how to escalate concerns.

●      Who to contact for help or advice (DSL or emergency contacts).

Staff Responsibilities

All staff and homestays:

●      Must complete regular safeguarding and mental health awareness training.

●      Must report any concern to the DSL using the appropriate internal reporting procedure.

●      Should promote wellbeing and emotional resilience in day-to-day interactions with students.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

●      Student mental health concerns are handled with appropriate confidentiality.

●      Records are stored securely and shared only with relevant parties (e.g. school DSL, parents, professionals), in accordance with data protection policies.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to major changes in legislation, guidance, or operational procedures.

Date of last review: Mrs Kathertine Lee 01/03/2025
Next review due: 01/03/2026

Appendix 1 - Mental Health Support List

Appendix 2 - Student Removal Form