Woodside Academy showcases its mental health initiatives

Woodside Academy was delighted to welcome the Deputy Mayor of London, Joanne McCartney, for a special visit today - recognising the school’s leading role as part of the Mayor of London’s work to boost mental health support in schools.

As one of 16 schools involved across London and the only special school -Woodside showcased the impactful work it is doing to embed emotional wellbeing across its curriculum and community. The programme is being delivered in partnership with Anna Freud, a mental health charity for children and young people.

Joining the Deputy Mayor for the visit were representatives from London Borough of Bexley, including Director of Children’s Services Stephen Kitchman, Deputy Director for Education Kevin Taylor and Councillor Caroline Newton (Cabinet Member for Education).

The visitors toured classrooms, met staff and pupils and joined in the school’s ‘daily mile’ wellbeing activity. The visitors heard and saw first-hand how Woodside is developing innovative approaches to mental health support for children and young people with autism.

The Deputy Mayor of London, Joanne McCartney, said:

Supporting young people’s mental health is one of the most important investments we can make in London’s future, as we work to make the capital the best city in the world to grow up in.

It has been inspiring to see the exceptional work taking place at Woodside Academy. As the only special school in the programme, they are demonstrating what inclusive, emotionally nurturing education can achieve. The commitment of staff and the confidence of pupils is clear, and this work is making a real difference to young Londoners’ lives as we build a better, fairer London for all.

Neil Miller, Deputy CEO, London South East Academies Trust, said:

Woodside’s involvement in the Mayor’s programme reflects our Trust’s commitment to supporting our pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.

We know that if children are happy and confident, they will achieve and progress well. It was fantastic to showcase the outstanding work of staff at Woodside today. We are incredibly proud of the child‑centred practice in all our schools and the impact this is having on pupils and families across our community.

Kathryn Freame, Headteacher at Woodside Academy, added:

We were delighted to welcome the Deputy Mayor and other key partners to Woodside today. As the only special school in the programme, we are proud to share the innovative work our staff and pupils are doing to champion wellbeing and resilience. Our children deserve the very best – and we are committed to creating an environment where every learner can flourish.

Woodside Academy provides a holistic, personalised curriculum for children and young people aged 4–18 with a diagnosis of autism. Wellbeing is embedded across teaching, pastoral care and family engagement, supported by dedicated initiatives such as Wellbeing Ambassadors, therapeutic interventions, and a nurturing school environment.

Today’s visit marked an important milestone in the school’s ongoing work with the Mayor, including: pupil surveys, staff training and the mapping of mental health practice, which is integrated through the curriculum.

Woodside’s pupils were excited to meet the Deputy Mayor.

Scarlett, who is in Year 8, said:

It’s fun here and I really like coming to school. The teachers are fun too!

For more information about the Mayor’s mental health in schools investment, visit: Pioneering London leads the way as Mayor invests new £810,000 to boost mental health support in schools | London City Hall

Photography by Kois Miah