Above: Mrs Downie, Director of Pupil Wellbeing at Dame Allan’s Schools

Dame Allan’s is doubling down on its commitment to pupils’ mental health and wellbeing with the addition of two student-led initiatives to its comprehensive pastoral care offering. 

Fresh off the back of Mental Health Awareness Week (May 13 – 19), Dame Allan’s has launched Whisper, an anonymous reporting tool designed to provide pupils with a safe and confidential platform to voice their concerns.

Pupils can use the new facility to reach out anonymously to the pastoral team via text or web chat and seek assistance without the fear of judgement or repercussions. 

Mrs Downie, Director of Pupil Wellbeing at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “We understand that asking for help can be a daunting step for some young people, while others might struggle to speak up for fear of breaking a friend’s confidentiality. Whisper offers a discreet avenue for pupils to share their concerns and it allows us to signpost pupils to the right support available to them.” 

Members of the Schools’ Student Council called for Whisper to be available at Dame Allan’s. Masa, a Year 10 Council representative, said: “We’re really passionate about driving positive change in the school community. We’ve discussed anonymous reporting and the issues it will help to solve at length, so watching our efforts come to fruition is very rewarding.”

The introduction of Whisper underscores Dame Allan’s dedication to growing its pastoral care offering to meet the evolving needs of its pupil body. Mrs Downie stressed that while traditional avenues for seeking support remain integral, Whisper serves as a complementary tool, providing an additional layer of support for those who may prefer anonymous communication.

“Whisper is not a substitute for in-person support, but rather a bridge towards it,” she explained. “It’s a confidential tool, giving students a safe space to reach out, ensuring they’re heard and guided towards the help they need, all while respecting their privacy.”

Dame Allan’s Schools is also rolling out the inclusion of the Cambridge Wellbeing Check across all its Senior School year groups following a successful pilot of the assessment tool in Year 12. 

The Cambridge Wellbeing Check is a digital, online assessment that provides valuable insights into pupils’ emotional wellbeing, allowing educators and pastoral care providers to tailor support services effectively.

Mrs Downie said that from September, pupils will take the 20 minute assessment every half term. “The Cambridge Wellbeing Check will not only give a snapshot of each pupil’s emotional state but will provide valuable insights into the collective wellbeing of year groups and help us to identify trends over time,” she explained.

“This comprehensive approach ensures that we can offer tailored support where needed, intervene proactively and foster a culture of wellbeing that leaves no student behind.”

Regular welfare checks of all pupils are now seamlessly integrated from Nursery through to Sixth Form at Dame Allan’s, with members of the Junior School benefiting from digital wellbeing programme, Zumos, and weekly Wellbeing Wednesday sessions. 

Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “These initiatives signify our dedication to staying at the forefront of pupil welfare, ensuring that no concern goes unheard, and no one is left without the support they need. 

“We’re excited to see the positive impact these additions will have on our school community and look forward to continuing to provide the highest standard of pastoral care.”

Masa, a Year 10  Student Council representative at Dame Allan’s Schools (below), voted for Whisper to be made available. Here, she explains why.

“Sometimes, pupils don’t confide in teachers about their concerns due to peer pressure or embarrassment. They might hesitate to directly involve themselves in issues or fear jeopardising friendships. Additionally, they may feel intimidated into remaining silent.

Naturally, pupils often find it daunting to disclose personal problems to teachers, especially when emotionally affected by them. 

Whisper significantly simplifies taking the first step and reaching out for help. 

Remaining anonymous makes pupils more comfortable reporting their concerns, leading them to do so more quickly. This, in turn, enables teachers to intervene and resolve issues before they escalate. 

Whisper also allows for two-way communication between staff and students, so pupils can stay informed about the issues they’ve reported and have confidence that they are being addressed.”