Mark’s story
The link between mental health and school attendance
11 year old Mark lives with his mum Diane and two younger siblings in a two bedroom house. Diane suspects that all three of her children are autistic, and has been on the CAMHS waiting list for a diagnosis. Diane suffers from anxiety, and worries that her anxious feelings have been impacting Mark. An in-year transfer, Mark has only been at his school for two years, and has been struggling to make friends. Mark feels this is due to him being overweight, and is very self-conscious. He refused to be fitted for a uniform, which further added to his feelings of standing out. In the mornings when Diane tried to take him to school, he would refuse to go in, not wanting to be separated from her. School mornings had become a very stressful time for them both, aggravating their anxiety. Mark’s attendance had fallen to 84% and his school referred the family to Practitioner Joyce for support.
Providing mental health support to improve school attendance
Joyce worked with Mark to understand his anxiety about attending school. She started waiting for Mark and his mum at the school gate and would escort him to her office instead of the classroom where he would discuss what was happening at school and at home, and agree on strategies that would support him to feel less anxious. Mark was also given permission to have time out to see Practitioner Joyce whenever he was feeling anxious and started attending the lunchtime group session she ran, improving his social skills.
Diane told Joyce, “He has always been anxious but enjoys coming to you for support”
Joyce invited Diane to the weekly coffee morning she ran, where she could give feedback and insights into his behaviour. Mum was able to discuss parenting issues she was facing and get support and advice from other parents.
On the issue of school uniform, Joyce shared this with Mark and discussed the benefits of wearing a uniform for himself and his mum. Mark agreed to get measured for his new uniform, and expressed to Joyce that he was proud of himself for being able to do this. Joyce used the School-Home Support Uniform Fund to find a uniform that he felt comfortable in and was suitable for his sensory needs.
Mental health support in schools
Mark received transition support and visited his secondary school, which made him feel more positive about starting secondary school. In preparation for his induction day, Joyce informed the school of Mark and his mum’s anxiety, and they were invited to come in early before other pupils arrived. He had a successful induction day and told Joyce he was excited to start secondary school.
Since working with Joyce, Mark has been willing to step outside his comfort zone and try new things. He even surprised himself by deciding to take part in the Year 6 play and continues to attend Joyce’s lunchtime clubhouse sessions
“I enjoy talking to you about my feelings, and how my day went… it makes me less anxious” says Mark. “I enjoy coming to the Club House because I can join in with the games and feel included”.
Diane is now more proactive, engaging with Mark’s school and seeking advice when she needs it. With Joyce’s support she has been able to reflect on her parenting and make adjustments that benefit the whole family. Mark’s school attendance has increased to 90%, and school is now something he looks forward to rather than worries about.
