Place2Be

Ribbon Academy is proud to work in partnership with Place2Be, the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity. Place2Be provides a range of in-school mental health and emotional wellbeing services for pupils, families and staff, helping children to develop the confidence, resilience and coping strategies they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

How Place2Be Supports Children

Place2Talk

Any child can access Place2Talk, a self-referral service where pupils can talk to a trained counsellor about worries, concerns or friendship issues. Children can choose to visit during breaktimes or lunchtimes, either individually or with their friends.

Targeted Support

Place2Be also provides individual and small-group support for children who may benefit from additional help with their emotional wellbeing. These sessions take place regularly throughout the school week and are planned in partnership with parents, carers and school staff where appropriate.

A Safe Space in School

Place2Be has a dedicated room within Ribbon Academy where children can express and explore their thoughts, feelings and worries through conversation, creative activities and play. This supportive environment helps children develop positive coping strategies, build emotional resilience and overcome barriers to learning and relationships.

Support for Families

Place2Be is committed to supporting the whole school community. Parents and carers can access advice, guidance and support on a range of issues affecting children’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships and mental health.

If you have concerns about your child, would like advice, or wish to learn more about the support available, please contact our Place2Be School Project Manager.

Support for Staff

Place2Be also provides consultation, advice and training for staff, helping adults across the school to better understand and support children’s emotional wellbeing needs.

Contact Us

Our Place2Be School Project Manager is Marnie Kirby, who works at Ribbon Academy on Thursdays and Fridays.

“Oh she has definitely changed…in the way she feels about her school life, her home life, and just the way she is in herself – she is a lot happier.” – Parent

“Place2Be helps you feel less angry, make friends, get more confident, sort out your problems, make you feel special, make everything better.” – Year 5 pupil

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge visits Ribbon
– (albeit virtually!)

On Tuesday 2nd February 2021, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of Place2Be, spoke one-on-one with teachers from Ribbon.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of Place2Be, spoke one-on-one with teachers from Ribbon Academy in County Durham about the important work they have been doing during the pandemic to support children and their families, and thanked them for their efforts.