Specialists in the Trust
Specialists in the Trust (SIT Team)
At Hospital School, we recognise that nurturing the Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) of our pupils is essential for their educational success and personal development. By fostering a supportive environment, we help our pupils become well-rounded individuals capable of achieving their hopes and aspirations.
The Specialists in the Trust (SIT) Team is a multi-disciplinary group of practitioners dedicated to addressing SEMH needs. Our team provides specialised support to pupils, working collaboratively with school staff, external agencies, and families to ensure comprehensive care.
‘If ever I’m feeling low, I can get support straight away. I feel like I belong here. My mental health is so much better’
While our universal offer at Hospital School is robust, we understand that some pupils may require additional assistance. The SIT Team offers bespoke, child-centred assessments and interventions designed to meet the unique needs of each pupil.
The diagram below illustrates how we effectively address the wellbeing of our pupils, ensuring they receive the support necessary to thrive both academically and personally.
Meet the Team
Amy Pillar – SEMH Practitioner
Base: Hospital School/Grangetown, Middlesbrough
Qualifications: Counselling Children and Young People (MSc); BACP Registered; Psychology with Criminology BSc
Experience: Behavioural analysis in homes and schools; Child Counsellor; NHS Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner; Autism research
Offer: 1-1 assessment and intervention with pupils at RTMAT; outreach at mainstream schools; CPD
Philippa Seager – SEMH Practitioner
Base: River Tyne Academy Gateshead
Qualifications: Psychology BSc
Experience: SEMH in Primary Education; Young Carers; Family Support Work; Advocacy in Child Protection, Looked After children & Care Leavers; Therapeutic Work with women following children being taken into care
Offer: 1-1 assessment and intervention with pupils at RTMAT; assertive outreach in the community; outreach at mainstream schools; CPD; Staff Supervision
Adam Wilding – Thrive Practitioner
Base: Hospital School, Middlesbrough
Qualifications: Degree in Criminology, Thrive Practitioner
Experience: Youth Worker, Pastoral Management, Outreach support programmes for disengaged young people.
Offer: 1-1 Thrive assessment, reporting, specialist observation, outreach at mainstream schools, supported engagement, bespoke transition support
How the SIT Team Differs from External Agencies
At River Tees Hospital School, our SIT Team offers unique advantages that set us apart from traditional external agencies:
- Consistent Daily Presence: Our practitioners are embedded within the school environment, facilitating the development of strong therapeutic relationships with pupils. This consistent presence fosters trust and engagement.
- Integrated Support with School Staff: We collaborate closely with school staff to provide tailored strategies that can be implemented immediately. Ongoing reviews ensure that our support adapts to the changing needs of our pupils.
- Informal Support Environment: Many pupils express that they feel more comfortable engaging in support that is delivered in a familiar, informal setting. This approach encourages participation and reduces anxiety.
- Assertive Outreach and Multi-Agency Collaboration: Our assertive outreach model, combined with a multi-agency approach, ensures that we actively engage pupils, especially those facing challenges in attendance.
- Flexible Attendance Policies: Unlike traditional agencies, we do not enforce a ‘Did Not Attend’ or ‘Did Not Bring’ policy. We take a flexible approach, making multiple attempts to connect with pupils, particularly those with low school attendance.
- Unlimited Session Availability: There is no cap on the number of sessions a pupil can receive. We are committed to providing ongoing support as needed.
- Adaptable Support Criteria: Our services cater to a wide range of mental health needs, from low-level issues to highly complex cases. We provide direct support or facilitate connections with the appropriate agencies to ensure comprehensive care.
- Minimal Waiting Times: We pride ourselves on having no or very short waiting lists, allowing pupils to access the support they need without delay.
Contact Details
Please email any enquiries to: SITteam@rtmat.org.uk