We all watched the news coverage of the horrific fire in Grenfell Tower last week and felt shocked and saddened for all those killed, made homeless or still waiting for news of loved ones. Lots of the pupils at Hall Mead School have been talking about these sad events and expressing an enormous sense of sympathy and empathy.

We have also witnessed the positive reaction of the local community and faith groups to the tragedy, which has been incredibly heartwarming. We have had a number of pupils approaching various staff members and asking what they can do to help and whether we, as a school community, could also raise some money.

We plan to make contact with a school local to Grenfell Tower, whose pupils have been affected in any way, and pass on our community donations to them so they can offer counselling and practical support where needed. Given our ongoing work this year on Mental Health issues and our support of the #TimeToTalk month, we feel this will be invaluable.