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 Practitioner

SEMH Practitioner: Philippa Seager-Dennis

Base: River Tyne Academy Gateshead

Education: Student Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (Northern Guild, BACP/UKCP accredited); Psychology Bsc

Experience: SEMH in primary education; therapeutic work with young carers; family support work; advocacy (child protection, children in care & care leavers); therapeutic work with women whose children are in care

Offer: 1-1 assessment & intervention; community outreach; mainstream outreach; staff training; staff supervision; policy development & implementation

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 presence: day-to-day practitioner presence supports learners to engage in the therapeutic relationship.
• Familiar environment: therapeutic work in a familiar place promotes feelings of safety.
• Integrated with school teams: practitioners work with staff to implement tailored strategies, with ongoing reviews and adaptations.
• Assertive outreach & multi-agency collaboration: we proactively engage learners and work in partnership with family/carers and other agencies.
• Inclusive criteria: we work with learners with a range of SEMH needs, either through direct intervention or coordinating access to the most appropriate service.
• Minimal waiting lists: quick access to therapeutic work.
• No ‘did not attend’ policy: flexible & determined practitioners – low school attendance is not a barrier.
• No maximum number of sessions: discharge from the SIT team is planned and graduated to meet individual need.

Contact Details

Please email any enquiries to: SITteam@rtmat.org.uk