Health and Wellbeing at Crossley Heath School

We recognise that the mental health and wellbeing of all our school community is the foundation from which true potential is realised.  We understand the importance of our community having mutual respect, support and advocacy for one another in nurturing and maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.  In working together to promote and build strong mental health and fitness for all, we contribute to our members’ ability to cope with life, play an active and positive part in their family and community interactions and gain the strongest sense of connectedness, happiness, love and fulfilment.

We are determined to respond to the emotional needs of our school community and aim to support students, their families and our staff to thrive.  Support for emotional wellbeing is a key priority for the school and we are proud to have achieved the Carnegie Mental Health in Schools – Excellence Award (2021-2).


Mr C Davis / Senior Mental Heath Lead

I am the Senior Mental Health Lead at Crossley Heath.  My role is to oversee the holistic approach to supporting mental health and wellbeing across our school community.  Taking excellent care of the mental health of our students, parents/carers and staff is a key priority in our School Improvement Plan.  I am passionate about developing our school mental health offer and in my role, I work with students, parents/carers, community partners and external agencies to build on the strong foundations already in place to create the most effective and responsive wellbeing provision.  Last year, in working together to promote, embed and deliver emotional wellbeing support across the school community, we were awarded the Carnegie Mental Health in Schools – Excellence Award.  This acknowledgement stands to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to wellbeing provision for all.

c.davis@crossleyheath.org.uk


Mrs E Griggs / KS3 Pastoral Lead

My name is Mrs Griggs, and I am the KS3 Pastoral Lead.  I also work as part of the schools dedicated Wellbeing Team.  I have worked at Crossley Heath School for the past 10 years.

As the KS3 Pastoral Leader, I have responsibility for the pastoral care of Lower School students, this includes Year 7 and 8.  My main priority is to support our younger students to find solutions to any challenges they may be experiencing and to help celebrate their achievements.

Being part of the Wellbeing Team involves supporting our students emotional and mental health. I have undertaken a range of qualifications and professional development experiences to build resilience and self-care strategies with students, including mindfulness training and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).

When not at work, I love spending time with my children, enjoy watching my son play football at the weekends and spending time with my grandchildren and making memories with them. I also keep active by going to the gym and walking.


Mr M Irving / KS4 Pastoral Leader

My name is Mr Irving, I am the newly appointed KS4 Pastoral Leader, supporting the wellbeing of students in Years 9-11.  Previously, I have worked as a Youth Worker and an Outdoor Instructor.  I am really enjoying working with children and young people and being part of the vibrant school community.  In my role, I help to support students with their personal development and wellbeing.  I understand the importance of nurturing confidence, building resilience and learning life skills that can endure into adulthood.

My pastimes are taken up in the great outdoors. I enjoy mountain biking, paddle boarding, and trips abroad with my family and friends. I have visited some unique places around the world including diving in the Barrier Reef, trekking to Everest Base Camp and visiting the Chernobyl Power Station.


Ms J Rudman / KS5 Pastoral Leader

Hello, my name is Jane Rudman and I am Pastoral Leader for KS5. I have been working with children and young people for over 40 years. Before I started at Crossley Heath I was managing youth work projects across West Yorkshire delivering a range of services through a mobile information advice and guidance service, a detached project working with dis-engaged young people and centre based work. My professional qualifications are DIP HE Youth and Community Development, DIP HE Management Studies and a DIP HE Connexions Personal Advisor.

I am a mum of two, I have 6 Grandchildren and I have worked at Crossley Heath for 12 years. My role is to support our students in any area of their life either in or out of school that affects them personally, socially or emotionally with a particular focus on Safeguarding, Well-being and Mental Health. I also monitor attendance and behaviour all of which can impact on our student’s progression and achievement.

I thoroughly enjoy what I do and I look forward to working with you.


Mrs A Barker / Healthcare Assistant

Hello, my name is Mrs Barker, I am Crossley Heath’s Healthcare Assistant and Student Support.  It is my responsibility to assess the medical and welfare needs of both students and staff and administer front line first aid.  I have experience of working with children of all ages and have taught 16 to 18 year olds. My early career was within the sport and fitness industry and I have also worked as a Registered Dental Nurse in an NHS practice. I hope to draw on these experiences to promote good health and wellbeing at Crossley Heath.

Outside of work I am a mum of 2 and I love spending time with my family and friends. My hobbies include riding my motorbike and doing karate, both of which I thoroughly enjoy.


Advice and support links:

Noah’s Ark resources for young people