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Student Support Services

Parents and Carers

Our goal is to make sure you feel supported and empowered to do your best, both in and out of school. Your wellbeing matters, and we’re here to help you through your journey at Thorns, so you can thrive and feel good about yourself along the way.

In Student Support Services we offer programmes and resources that are designed to help students succeed academically, socially, and personally. These services aim to create a safe and inclusive environment where students can develop not only their knowledge but also strong character habits, like those represented by Thorns’ 3 Rs: Respectful, Responsible and Resilient.

Key Student Support Services Include:

  1. Counselling and Mental Health Services – Professional guidance supports students in managing stress and challenges, fostering resilience in the face of difficulties.
  2. Career and Professional Development – Assistance with work experience, job placements, and career planning encourages students to act responsibly and prepare for future success.
  3. Peer Mentoring and Community Programmes – Building relationships, participating in student organisations, and engaging in leadership programmes that cultivate respect for others and the community.
  4. Health and Wellness Programmes – Initiatives promoting physical health, nutrition, and wellbeing that strengthen students’ resilience and overall capacity to thrive.


By engaging with Student Support Services, students not only enhance their learning but also grow as respectful, responsible and resilient individuals, ready to face challenges and make a positive impact in their communities.

Open access times:

During break and lunchtimes there is an opportunity for those that wish to, to spend time in Student Support. There is a limit on the number of pupils that can be in there so we have to operate using a first come first served ruling. Pupils can come into Student Support to spend time with the dogs, have a chat with Ms Baker, play games or just sit and have a quiet chat with their friends. Everyone is welcome as long as the Student Support rules are followed.

  • Key Stage 3 – 12:55 – 13:25
  • Key Stage 4 – 11:35 – 11:55 & 13:55 – 14:25

Services we offer

STARVING THE ANGER GREMLIN
Anger intervention is a way to help kids learn how to understand their anger and calm down in healthy ways. With practice, anger intervention helps kids feel more in control and make good choices, even when they’re really mad.
An anxiety intervention is a special way to help kids feel better when they have those big worries. It’s like having a toolbox full of tricks and tools that help calm your body and your mind.
Stress intervention means getting help or using tools to feel better when we’re stressed. It’s like having a superhero toolkit for our emotions!
A growth mindset intervention is a fun and helpful way to teach kids that their brains can grow stronger with effort, just like muscles do! It helps children learn that making mistakes is part of learning and that they can get better at anything with practice, patience, and the right strategies.
An International Students Intervention is a special program to help these students feel happy, safe, and welcome. It gives them extra support with making friends, and understanding the new school.
This special activity is all about helping children think about their big dreams, what makes them happy, and who they want to become. We guide kids to imagine a bright future and explore the things they enjoy doing the most
That's when sleep intervention comes in! It’s like a helpful plan made by grown-ups (like doctors or sleep experts) to make your sleep better. They might help you create a calm bedtime routine, make your room comfy and quiet, or teach your family how to help you sleep peacefully.
This group teaches kindness, respect, and friendship. They help people understand that being different is a good thing! Our different cultures, ideas, and stories make the world a more fun and interesting place.
A self-esteem intervention is a special activity or program that helps children feel good about themselves. The goal of this program is to help children grow up with strong self-esteem, meaning they believe they are valuable and capable. When children feel good about themselves, they’re more likely to try new things, solve problems, and be happy in school and life.
This special kind of walk is called a wellbeing walk. Walking outside with a dog helps us take deep breaths, feel calm, and have fun. The dog’s happy energy can make us smile and forget about things that bother us.
Sometimes, we do things that make it harder for us to do well or feel happy. This is called self-sabotage. It’s like when you want to do your best, but your own thoughts or actions get in the way.
It’s like using your imagination and positive thoughts to bring more joy into your life. You learn to think about good things you want, believe they can happen, and do little actions that help make those happy moments real.
Sometimes, people who care about each other—like friends, family, or classmates—might have problems or misunderstandings that make them feel upset or sad. Relationship intervention is when someone helps these people talk, listen, and understand each other better so they can fix their problems and feel happy again.
Being masculine today means being yourself, respecting others, and knowing that everyone—boys, girls, and all people—can share kindness, courage, and honesty. It’s okay to like things that are fun, creative, or different from what others expect.
Help children recognize the pressures girls experience, promote empathy, and provide tools for self-confidence and support.

External providers we work with

  • Mindful Life Counselling – offering counselling and mentoring
  • Mentor Link – Offers Mentoring 1:1 Basis
  • PoweredbyCan – Art Related Interventions
  • DPA – Music Interventions – DWD Organised
  • Athelete Impact – Sports Intervention
  • Brook Sexual Health Services
  • Dudley Family Hub Network
  • Youth Justice Services
  • Kupid – 5th Degree – Diversity Interventions
  • West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership
  • Merry Hill Shopping Centre – Mentoring Service
  • Thorns Alumni – Mentoring
  • Quarry Bank Church Mentoring Service
  • School Nurse Service – Connect and Create

Our wellbeing dogs

Wellbeing dogs are used at Thorns because they can have a positive impact on students’ mental health, behaviour, and learning environment.

Here are the main reasons:

  1. Emotional support and stress reduction
    • Interacting with a calm, trained dog can reduce anxiety and stress levels.
    • Stroking or sitting with a dog helps release “feel-good” hormones (like oxytocin) and lowers cortisol (the stress hormone).
  2. Improved mental health and wellbeing
    • Dogs can provide comfort to students struggling with issues such as exam stress, bullying, or personal challenges.
    • They create a sense of companionship and non-judgmental support.
  3. Encouraging positive behaviour
    • Having a wellbeing dog in school can promote kindness, patience, and empathy among students.
    • The dog can be used in reward systems (e.g., time with the dog as a positive reinforcement for good behaviour).
  4. Building community and connection
    • A school dog often becomes a shared point of joy that helps strengthen school culture.
    • They can encourage conversations and connections between students, staff, and even parents.
  5. Supporting specific needs
    • Students with special educational needs (e.g., autism, ADHD) may find comfort and regulation in interacting with the dog.
    • Dogs can help with sensory regulation and calming strategies.
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Get in touch

If you feel your child needs help or guidance please get in touch with the Student Support Services team using this email address: studentsupport@tca.shirelandcat.net