“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.” - World Health Organisation (WHO) 2014.
At St Margaret’s Church of England Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play. We continue to develop our learning and support for all members of our community and strive to create a safe and positive environment where all can thrive and let their unique lights shine.
We aim to:
- help children to understand their emotions and feelings better
- help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
- help children socially to form and maintain relationships
- promote self-esteem and ensure children know that they count
- encourage children to be confident and ‘dare to be different’
- help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks
Our Mental Health and Well-Being Team
Mrs A Hassall - Headteacher & Well-Being Lead
Mrs A Hague - Senior Mental Health Lead & SENCO
Mrs C McNicholas - EYFS Lead & Thrive Practitioner
Mrs C Knox - Thrive Practitioner
Mrs R Horner - School Counsellor
Mrs A Hassall
Mrs A Hague
Mrs C McNicholas
Mrs C Knox
Mrs R Horner
Levels of Support
- Universal Support– To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos, school values and our wider curriculum. For instance, developing resilience for all.
- Additional support– For those who may have short term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as separation or bereavement.
- Targeted support– For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such referral to wider professionals.
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health please contact your Child’s class teacher to discuss levels of support available.
Useful websites for advice and support with mental health
- Young Minds - Charity committed to improving the mental health and well being of children and empowering parents and carers
- Childline - Counselling service for parents and children
- Mind - Excellent range of materials on all aspects of mental health
- MindEd Educational resource on children’s mental health for adults
- OCD-UK - Information and support relating to OCD in children and young adults
- CBT Online - Self help site
- Leaflet for helping children cope with anxiety
- Anorexia and Bulimia care - Support for anyone affected by an eating disorder
- Cruse - Support and advice for children and adults when someone dies
- Young Minds parent’s helpline - free confidential help and advice for any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child
- Tutorful - Dealing with anxiety
- NHS Every Mind Matters - General advice on anxiety and strategies
- Young Minds - Young minds parents’ survival guide
- Anna Freud - Resources for families
- Young Minds - Supporting school transitions
- Parents Protect
- Face Family Advice - Parenting advice classes
- Family Moodboosters: Carnival Connect
- Papyrus - Prevention of young suicide
- MindEd for families
- FEARless – Helping your child with anxiety
- The Toby Henderson Trust - The Doorway to Early Action in Autism
- Early Help
- Family Hub
- Local offer
- Daisy Chain
- VCS Alliance
- Place2Be
JANUARY 2024
Alex Dewar (Ambassador from the British Inspiration Trust) came to talk to the whole school and provide some motivational workshops in the Juniors.
FEBRUARY 2024
Children's Mental Health Week
When we feel empowered, there’s a positive impact on wellbeing. Children who feel that their voices are heard and can make a difference have a greater sense of community and self-esteem.
My Voice Matters!
MARCH 2024
We are delighted to celebrate the end of training of our new Peer Mentors. They were commended on their kindness, intelligence and politeness, by the Investing In Children trainer, and that they will make 'brilliant mentors.' We are very proud of them!
A Peer Mentor is someone who supports the people around them, being a good influence, supporting friendships and acting as a listening ear. A peer Mentor does not try to solve problems but are trained to share conversations , which worry them, with trusted adults. They will be seen around the playgrounds, available to support their peers and adults, in the coming weeks.
June 2024
Dealing with Anxiety assembly