Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Hanslope Primary School we consider that good mental health is fundamentally important in this ever-changing world full of challenges. For this reason, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of all our pupils and staff and recognise that everyone experiences life challenges that at times can make us vulnerable and in need of additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play.
At our school we:
- help children to understand their emotions and feelings better through developing good emotional literacy skills
- support children to feel comfortable to share any concerns or worries they might have
- use Personal Social and Health Education lessons to support children in their understanding of the different relationships they might have
- provide guidance for individuals to develop their social skills in order that they can form and maintain healthy relationships
- promote self-esteem and ensure that all children know that they matter
- encourage children to be confident and ‘dare to be different’
- help children to become emotionally resilient and manage setbacks by teaching them how to develop a Growth Mind-set
- support children to become independent in an environment where it is okay to make mistakes, knowing that this leads to new learning
We offer different levels of support according to the needs of individuals:
Universal Support – To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum. For instance, by supporting pupils to develop their own emotional literacy skills as well as a Growth Mind-set and resilience.
Additional support – For those who may have short-term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement.
Targeted support – For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such as wellbeing groups or personal mentors.
We all have times when we have low Mental Health and Wellbeing, where we feel stressed, upset or find it difficult to cope. There are some common life events that may affect you or your child's Mental Health and Wellbeing:
- Loss or bereavement
- Loneliness
- Relationship problems
- Issues at school
- Worries about money
Everyone deserves to feel good and there are steps you or your child can take to maintain and improve your Mental Health and Wellbeing:
- Build positive relationships
- Take time for yourself
- Look after your mental health; use mindfulness, seek support if you need to
- Look after your physical health; eat well, drink sufficient fluids, get plenty of sleep
What can your child can do in school to gain good Mental Health and Wellbeing?
- Be open and talk about their feelings with their friends
- Associate themselves with positive people
- Join an afterschool club
- Speak to a member of staff
- Tell the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team of any concerns
- Get physically active (a Healthy body and mind are closely linked)
At Hanslope Primary, we endeavour to create opportunities to engage in the evidence-based NHS ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ model. The language and ideas are easily accessible for children:
1) Connect 2) Be Active 3) Take Notice 4) Give 5) Keep Learning
The Five Ways to Wellbeing: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/
Services and Websites
Below are a number of websites which may be useful:
https://www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/confidential-helpline/
https://youngminds.org.uk/resources/school-resources/find-your-feet-transition-tips-for-parents/
https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/if-a-child-tells-you-about-abuse.htm
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/
http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/family-and-friends/parents
https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/support-in-the-community/family-support
https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/
Subject Leader: Mrs Catherine Jackson
Mental Health and Wellbeing