Mental Health, Wellbeing and Support

EP Supervision for Headteachers

The Educational Psychologists are pleased to be able to continue to offer psychological supervision this academic year. A description of this intervention is given below:

“Psychological supervision involves providing an individual with a dedicated confidential and safe space in which to share their thoughts and feelings. The intention of the supervisor is to establish a positive relationship with the supervisee, so that they feel comfortable, supported and validated in discussing topics that are pertinent to them.

Whilst supervisees may use a supervision session to celebrate successes, it is also an opportunity to offload emotionally, and have space to reflect on challenges and stressors in a non-judgemental environment. The concept and practice of supervision, as delivered by an educational psychologist, is distinct from related activities such as mentoring or coaching. The latter is typically about overt professional development, with an explicit focus on problem-solving and evolving skills.

By comparison, whilst psychological supervision may lead to someone taking a new approach to a professional or personal issue, this is not necessarily the stated aim. Rather, the agenda is driven by the supervisee, and there is no expectation that they will leave the session with a list of actions or areas for improvement.

Psychological supervision is a collaborative process, and so periodically reflecting on the sessions and making adjustments to how they run is all part of ensuring that they are a positive, encouraging and valuable resource.”

If you would like to take part in this intervention then please email us at: EPrequest@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

We kindly ask that you respond before October half term to allow us to allocate places to supervisors asap.

Kind regards,

Jenny Feeney

Senior Educational Psychologist,

Buckinghamshire Council

Employee Assistance Programme

TP Health/Optima are available for all your physical, mental, financial and work support.  Telephone: 0800 058 1486.  Visit the Workplace Wellbeing website.  Download the Optimise app: visit the Optimise website to create an account or download the Optimise app from the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.

Academies, Foundation & Voluntary Aided Schools are able to purchase the EAP, see HERE for further details.

Support for Families and All School Staff

Attached is the updated Wellbeing and Support information that has been gathered to offer support to families and schools in Bucks.  The document covers topics such as mental health, foodbanks, financial advice and more as well as links to websites, telephone numbers or apps for support agencies both local and national.

Bereavement Support

This updated document contains links to many agencies and teams that provide support to children and adults faced with bereavement.  If you know of any other, local groups, please let us know.

For further information contact sis@buckinghamshire.bucks.uk