Statement of intent:
At St Mary’s, we are committed to supporting the mental 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.
At our school we:
- 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
Lead Staff members:
- Miss Carney (Wellbeing Lead and Mental Health School Champion)
- Mr Piper (Headteacher)
- Ms Saunderson-Darkes (Deputy Headteacher and SENCO)
- Mrs Corcoran (Wellbeing Counsellor)
Useful Resources
Anna Freud
Work in collaboration with children and their families to transform children and families’ mental health.
Every Child Matters – Public Health England
A public health England and NHS site to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others.
Mentally Healthy Schools
Quality-assured information, advice and resources to help primary schools understand and promote children’s mental health and wellbeing.
Young Minds
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Advice on depression, anxiety, ADHD & self-harm. YoungMinds Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (9.30 to 4.00pm, Mon- Fri). We offer free, confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice, to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25.
Childline
ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor for free about anything – no problem is too big or too small. Telephone: 0800 1111 Email: http://www.childline.org.uk/Talk/Pages/Email.aspx
Kooth
Kooth is a free online counselling platform for children & young people Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people aged 10-18 year old with trained counsellors as well as articles written by young people, a supportive online community forum and the function to record online journals.
NSPCC
The NSPCC have collated 25 books designed to validate and help children who are worried or anxious interpret how they are feeling.
Change 4 Life
Fun and family friendly information for eating well and keeping active. Tips, ideas, recipes and games to help keep kids and adults happy and healthy.
Food a Fact of Life
Lessons and curriculum resources that can be used at home to help educate children about healthy eating, cooking and where food comes from.
Nationwide Children’s
10 minute videos for all ages and abilities to exercise together.
Internet Matters
Provides a range of support for families to enable all family members to stay safe.
Government Advice
Government guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health during the coronavirus
BBC Newsround
Dr Chris and Dr Xand are here to tell you why the coronavirus might not be as scary as it sounds.
