Outreach
The Pendlebury Centre offers a range of outreach support, including the facilitation and access to free training opportunities. These are offered to support the continuous development of education in Stockport, sharing our expertise whilst learning from our community.
Checkpoint Meetings
Hosted within The Pendlebury Centre, Checkpoint provides national and local updates on matters relating to the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Through consultation between schools and stakeholders Checkpoint meetings identify a range of training opportunities which, when utilised, will empower schools to deliver Tier 1/2 therapeutic interventions. Checkpoint will support colleagues to navigate the specialist services needed to support students holistically and facilitates a forum for colleagues to share good practice and have an opportunity for peer supervision.
If you:
• Know colleagues who would like an invite
• Would like to present at a checkpoint meeting
• Would like to request an agenda item
Please email: leah.foster@pendlebury.stockport.sch.uk
Pendlebury Primary
The Pendlebury Primary scheme is designed to support SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) students as they transition from primary to secondary school through a series of four phases. Each phase focuses on building essential skills, addressing emotional needs, and fostering connections between students, parents, and schools.
Phase 1: School Readiness Support (Primary Based – Year 6 Spring 2)
Activities:
Group games and role-play to build social skills.
Social toolkit sessions focusing on communication and understanding interactions.
Sessions on morning/evening routines, school expectations, and practical skills for secondary school.
Benefits:
Social Skills Development: Students practise initiating and maintaining conversations, laying a foundation for friendships.
Increased Familiarity: Early interactions help reduce anxiety about meeting new peers.
Parental Involvement: Meetings outline student challenges and strategies for support, enhancing engagement ahead of SATs.
Phase 2: Mental Health Support (Primary Based – Year 6 Summer 1)
Activities:
Workshops on identifying emotions, coping strategies, and managing transitional anxieties.
Sessions focused on adapting to change and handling exam-related stress.
Benefits:
Self-Awareness: Encourages introspection, helping students recognise and articulate their feelings.
Coping Strategies: Provides tools to manage anxiety and emotional responses to change.
Parental Guidance: Meetings inform parents about their children’s struggles, allowing them to provide targeted support and access external resources.
Phase 3: Transition Readiness Support (Secondary Based – Year 6 Summer 2)
Activities:
Practical learning sessions led by significant Year 7 figures, including school tours and timetable navigation.
All sessions take place within their allocated high school to familiarise students with the secondary environment.
Benefits:
Familiarisation with Environment: Helps reduce anxiety about the new school setting by meeting key staff and exploring the school layout.
Peer Connections: Interaction with supportive Year 7 figures fosters a sense of belonging.
Addressing Anxieties: Debrief sessions allow students to discuss their feelings about the transition and receive tailored support.
Phase 4: Direct Transition Support (Secondary Based – Year 7 Autumn 1)
Activities:
Regular catch-up meetings to monitor student progress and support needs.
Involvement of parents to discuss additional support requirements.
Benefits:
Ongoing Support: Continuous check-ins help identify challenges early and adjust support accordingly.
Parental Engagement: Including parents in meetings fosters a collaborative approach to student well-being.
Overall Impact
This comprehensive scheme not only equips SEMH students with the skills necessary for secondary school but also promotes emotional resilience and establishes a strong support network involving peers, teachers, and parents. This proactive approach is essential for fostering successful transitions and enhancing students’ overall educational experiences.
Headteacher Consultancy
Mrs. Jane Maxey is available for consultancy, providing her insights in supportive conversations. Please email for discussion and further information at: headteacher@pendlebury.stockport.sch.uk
SENCO Consultancy
The Pendlebury Centre is proud to offer a comprehensive training opportunity, led by our highly experienced SENCO and Cedars Lead, Mrs. K Holland. This programme will provide valuable support and guidance to school staff in areas related to children with complex SEMH needs.
Participants will benefit from practical knowledge and support to enhance their school development, assistance with timely and appropriate referrals, and training presentations on the work of The Pendlebury Centre and Cedars, all designed to deepen their understanding and support of children with complex SEMH needs. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to attend a confidential clinic to discuss individual cases and receive personalised guidance.
This training programme is an excellent opportunity for school staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting children with complex SEMH needs, as well as benefit from the expertise and experience of Mrs. K Holland. By participating in this training, school staff will be equipped with the tools and resources needed to provide effective support and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
If you are interested in accessing this free training opportunity, please contact Mrs. K Holland at kate.holland@pendlebury.stockport.sch.uk
Inclusion & Diversity Training
The Pendlebury Centre firmly believes in promoting diversity and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, disability, or age. To further this training objective, a Diversity and Inclusion Lead has been appointed, Mr. Evans, who has instigated several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusivity. These initiatives are now utilised by staff both within the Centre and the wider community.
Mr. Evans has made significant contributions to the Centre, including the development of an LGBTQ+ wellbeing session and the creation of an annual Diversity and Inclusion Calendar that highlights the vibrant diversity of our community. Additionally, he has provided in-house training to our staff and is now offering this training to our feeder schools in the Stockport area, free of charge.
If you are interested in accessing this training opportunity, please feel free to contact Mr. Evans at billy.evans@pendlebury.stockport.sch.uk. Should you be from an institution that is not one of our feeder schools but still interested in this offer, we invite you to reach out to us and discuss the possibilities further.
ASIST Training
What happens at ASIST?
ASIST trains participants to reduce the immediate risk of suicide and increase support for a person at risk or in crisis. The workshop helps participants recognise what a person at risk may need from others in order to keep safe and get help.
Who should attend ASIST?
ASIST is suitable for a wide range of professionals and community members including; natural helpers and advisers, emergency service workers, counsellors, teachers, ministers, mental health staff, workers in health, welfare and justice and community volunteers.
How does ASIST help prevent suicide?
As an ASIST-trained first aid intervention caregiver, you will be better able to:
• Identify people who have thoughts of suicide
• Seek a shared understanding of the reasons for thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living
• Review current risk and develop a plan to increase safety from suicidal behaviour
• Follow up on all safety commitments, accessing further help as needed
• Recognise invitations for help
• Reach out and offer support
• Apply a suicide intervention model
• Link people with community resources.
The course is recommended by our Department of Health and is delivered not just in the UK but worldwide. The course takes place over two consecutive days, and participants must attend all 15 hours in order to pass. Please contact The Pendlebury Centre for more information on cost and availability.
Papyrus in Stockport
Papyrus offers vital suicide prevention support for young people in Stockport through its HOPELINE247 service. This free, confidential helpline is available 24/7 to provide immediate support, practical advice, and crisis intervention to anyone under 35 struggling with thoughts of suicide. Concerned parents, carers, and professionals can also access guidance on how to support a young person at risk.
Alongside its helpline, Papyrus delivers community-based training and awareness programmes, equipping individuals and organisations with the skills to identify warning signs and intervene effectively. By fostering open conversations and reducing stigma, Papyrus aims to create a suicide-safer community in Stockport, ensuring that no young person feels alone in their struggle.
Additional training for all staff
Over the past few years, The Pendlebury Centre has provided teacher training for the Teach First programme, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Bright Futures Educational Trust. The formal feedback from these events is overwhelmingly positive.
We can provide a range of bespoke training to support your school’s development. We have provided:
• Effective use of Teaching Assistants
• Working constructively with lower-attaining sets
• Working constructively with challenging behaviours
• Autism traits – implementing change within the classroom environment
• Multi-agency working for those with social, emotional and mental health difficulties
• Selective Mutism
• Literacy / Numeracy across the curriculum