Specialists in the Trust (SIT Team)

Supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health 

At River Tyne Academy Gateshead, we recognise that positive social, emotional and mental health is fundamental to a young person’s wellbeing, personal development and success in education. 

We are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where pupils feel safe, valued and understood. By supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing, we help them build resilience, develop positive relationships and achieve their aspirations both in and beyond the classroom. 

The Specialists in the Trust (SIT) Team

Our Specialists in the Trust (SIT) Team is a dedicated multi-disciplinary team that provides additional support for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. 

Working closely with academy staff, families and external professionals, the SIT Team helps ensure that pupils receive the right support at the right time. Their collaborative approach enables us to understand each young person’s strengths, needs and circumstances, ensuring that support is personalised and effective. 

A Child-Centred Approach

While our universal wellbeing offer provides support for all pupils, we recognise that some young people may require more targeted intervention. 

The SIT Team offers: 

• Individualised assessments to identify strengths and areas of need. 

• Bespoke interventions tailored to each pupil’s circumstances. 

• Emotional wellbeing and mental health support. 

• Advice and guidance for staff and families. 

• Collaborative working with external agencies and professionals. 

• Strategies to support engagement, resilience and positive outcomes. 

All support is designed around the needs of the individual, ensuring that every pupil can thrive, overcome barriers and reach their full potential. 

Meet the Team 

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 

How the SIT Team Differs from External Agencies

At River Tyne Academy Gateshead, 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