Cirencester Primary School works closely with many external professionals in order to support all members of the schools mental wellbeing. Some professionals come into school to support our young people and some work outside of school. Please find below a summary of the external professionals we work with at our school. 

 

Play therapy is a specialist form of emotional and mental health support for children and young people. It helps children express thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play, creativity, storytelling, art, and other child-friendly activities rather than relying only on talking.

Play therapy can support children experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma, bereavement, family changes, behavioural difficulties, social challenges, or low self-esteem. Sessions are led by trained therapists who create a safe and supportive environment where children can explore emotions, build coping skills, improve confidence, and develop healthier ways to communicate and manage feelings.

At Cirencester Primary School, we work with two play therapists at our school who see a small number of pupils. SLT make referrals for Play Therapy and use their knowledge of children and families to decide who would benefit most in the next phase of support. 

 

Pets As Therapy (PAT) is a national charity that enhances wellbeing through visits from therapy animals. Volunteers and their pets visit schools, hospitals, care homes, and community settings to help reduce loneliness, anxiety, and stress. Animal-assisted support can be especially beneficial for emotional wellbeing and social connection.

At Cirencester Primary School, 6 children a term access Dog Therapy. Members of the Nurture team decide who is next to receive this support based on need and knowledge of the children and their current circumstances. 

 

Talk Well (previously TIC+) provides free mental health counselling and emotional support for children and young people aged 9–25 in Gloucestershire. Support includes face-to-face counselling, online chat, telephone and video counselling, plus anonymous support through TalkWellChat. They also provide advice and workshops for parents and carers.

 

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) is an NHS service supporting children and young people with emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties. CAMHS can help with conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, ADHD, and other mental health concerns. Referrals are usually made through GPs, schools, or other professionals. 

 

Marsh McNeil Mentoring offers mentoring and wellbeing support for children and young people. Their work focuses on building confidence, emotional resilience, positive relationships, and personal development through one-to-one mentoring and tailored support. They aim to provide safe, supportive guidance for young people facing challenges in education, wellbeing, or home life.

 

PEGS supports parents, carers, and professionals affected by child-to-parent abuse and challenging family behaviours. They provide advice, training, support programmes, and practical strategies to improve family relationships and safety. Their services are designed to reduce isolation and help families access specialist support.

 

he Churn Community Hub in Cirencester offers community-based wellbeing support, social activities, advice services, and opportunities to reduce loneliness and improve mental wellbeing. They work with people of all ages and help connect individuals to local support networks, volunteering, and community projeccts.