AN OUTSTANDING therapeutic education department in Colchester has inspired teenagers during this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week.

St Aubyn Centre Therapeutic Education Department in Colchester supports teenagers who are receiving care from impatient mental health services and was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in December, 2023.

In the Essex Partnership University Trust (EPUT) each young person in inpatient mental health care is automatically enrolled into school during their stay on the ward.

Depending on area and other factors, young people would enrol in Colchester’s St Aubyn Centre or in the Poplar Adolescent Unit Therapeutic Education Department in Rochford – which Ofsted said in July, 2023 would be rated in Outstanding under a full inspection.

While the education team liaises closely with the young person’s usual school to ensure their education is supported when they return home after being discharged from hospital.

Gazette: Balance - Art and music are ways for all young people to find their voice (pictured) Poplar Adolescent Unit Therapeutic Education DepartmentBalance - Art and music are ways for all young people to find their voice (pictured) Poplar Adolescent Unit Therapeutic Education Department (Image: EPUT)

Children's mental health week runs until Sunday, with this year’s theme being my ‘My Voice Matters’.

The theme is based on the UN’s Human Rights which state each child has the right to have their “views, feelings, and wishes in all matters affecting them” taken seriously.

Simon Turnnidge, executive headteacher for both education departments, said: “I’m privileged to lead two fantastic teams of incredible people, who work selflessly and tirelessly with the young people, their families and our professional support networks.

"We will always balance a young person's learning needs with their mental health needs, and will work flexibly, with understanding and compassion.”