Decision

To pay Hub schools for the delivery of sessions by school staff, Link Leads (staff responsible for providing support and supervision to a group of Hub schools) and school project lead in line with the agreed funding arrangements with the Essex ICB, to support primary age children (across Tendring and Colchester) who are showing early sign of poor mental health.

Total payments: £16,960

Reasons for the decision

The Wellbeing Hubs project is an early intervention model which supports children's mental health and wellbeing.

It builds awareness, understanding, self regulation and coping mechanisms for children experiencing difficulties with the mental health and wellbeing.

The project aims to build skills, resilience and coping mechanisms which will take children through primary, transition to secondary school and beyond. The project was originally awarded funding by the Alliance Investment Fund and SNEE ICB, and now (with agreement) the Essex ICB.

The Essex ICB funding supports schools across NEE in the delivery of these Hub sessions.

Alternative options considered

To not pay the primary schools for the delivery of the Wellbeing Hubs sessions would impact the schools ability to provide early intervention mental health support and to resource (staff) the delivery of the sessions.

These sessions also support SEN children waiting for onward referrals (where required) and improve pupil attendance.