As a federation of schools, we are invested in supporting the positive mental health of our pupils, staff and parent community. We believe that mental health is as important as physical health, and that it needs to be treated with kindness and exercised regularly.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and it also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it involves a state of well-being in which an individual realises their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community.
What is Well-Being?
Well-being is a broad concept that encompasses various aspects of an individual’s life, including physical, mental, and social health. It refers to the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
Our Senior Mental Health Lead and qualified Mental Health First Aider is Mrs Osborne. Please contact her via the school office if you would like further information regarding mental health support, or if you would like to access support.
Mental Health and Well-Being at school:
We have a graduated approach to mental health so that we are able to support, or signpost support, dependent on individual need.
Within school, mental health and well-being are a priority and through our curriculum, ethos and policy we ensure that this is evident. Additionally, we use Zones of Regulation which is a social-emotional learning curriculum designed to help individuals, especially children, develop self-regulation and emotional control.
We are fortunate to have a trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) in school who is able to work with children 1:1 or in small groups on specific bodies of work on a range of areas such as anxiety, emotional regulation and self-esteem.
We include World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Week in our school calendar. Staff are trained in supporting children’s mental health needs.
Mental Health and Well-Being at home:
- Model Healthy Coping Skills: Demonstrate how to handle emotions positively. Activities like deep breathing, using stress balls, making art, or going for walks can be effective
- Create a Routine and Set Clear Boundaries: A consistent schedule can reduce stress and anxiety. Clear boundaries help children understand expectations and minimise frustration.
- Encourage Physical Activity: Physical exercise is beneficial for both mental and physical health. Find activities your child enjoys.
- Practice Coping Mechanisms at Home: Teach your child strategies to manage stress and emotions, such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
- Keep Communication Open and Honest: Ensure your child feels comfortable approaching you with any issue. Listen without judgment and offer support
Wellbeing Newsletter 1 St Law
The following websites and Apps offer support for mental health and well-being:
www.youngminds.org.uk
www.place2be.org.uk
www.mollyrosefoundation.org
www.papyrus-uk.org
www.mind.org.uk
www.kooth.com
www.giveusashout.org
BeeU :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Apps:
- ChillPanda
- Cove
- Headspace: Meditation and Sleep