Supporting Mental Health in schools: An Education and Health Collaboration

Supporting Mental Health in schools: An Education and Health Collaboration

At Ilfracombe C of E Junior School, we believe that mental wellbeing is the foundation for learning, growth and a thriving community. In a powerful collaboration between education and health services, we worked closely with One Northern Devon and the NHS to secure funding for Place2Be, a leading children’s mental health charity.

This joint project began with a thorough needs analysis, carried out by our school in partnership with NHS colleagues. We identified growing concerns around mental health and wellbeing among our pupils and families, highlighting the urgent need for targeted, early support within our community.

Thanks to this work, our school now hosts Place2Be services on-site, providing direct, professional mental health support for children and their families. As part of this, a dedicated Place2Be counsellor is now based in school each week, offering one-to-one counselling, group sessions, and tailored support for families. The service also provides expert advice and guidance for staff, helping us all respond more effectively to children’s emotional needs.

This initiative marks a significant step in supporting not just our pupils’ wellbeing, but the wider school community. By recognising the link between emotional health and educational outcomes, this partnership is helping to create a safe, nurturing space where children can thrive both emotionally and academically.

This is more than a school project – it's a community investment, made possible through strong collaboration between education and health sectors, and driven by a shared commitment to meeting local needs.