Mental Health

There are times when, as a result of medical or emotional challenges, a boarder may present with a mental health issue. Mental Health concerns may include but are not limited to presentation of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self harm, etc. At such times the Director of Boarding will contact the student’s parents or guardians as soon as possible to discuss the situation; it is also expected that the family will contact the Director of Walker House if they have similar information to share. Walker House staff may also seek assistance from the school Psychologist or other Senior members of staff if their support is required. Depending on the severity, frequency and impact of the issue, the School and Walker House staff will work with the family, student and health professionals to devise and follow a Mental Health Management plan.

If it is decided that Walker House does not have the resources to manage the mental health issue, or the safety of the student and / or that of other students is at risk, the boarder may be asked to seek alternative accommodation; this will be until such time as the School has been able to review and consider an assessment completed by an external health provider (for example CAMHS, psychologist or psychiatrist) stating that it is their recommendation that the student and their peers are at no risk of harm should they return to Walker House. The Walker House staff and the School will work with the student, their family and external health professionals to help ensure a smooth transition back to the boarding house if the student was required to leave for medical, mental health or personal reasons.

To facilitate a successful return to Walker House, the School, the family and outside specialists must all agree to a Mental Health Management plan. Examples of some of the conditions of this management plan may include the necessity of the student continuing to seek assistance from external health professionals, and that regular planned reviews between the School and the family occur to monitor the student’s wellbeing and safety at Walker House.

This approach is based on the commitment made by the School, the student and their family under the Conditions of Enrolment to our Learning Partnership Understanding, Privacy Policy, Enrolment Policy and Guidelines and the Schools’ Purpose and Concerns.