Mental Health and Wellbeing at St Wilfrid's CE Primary School2

At St Wilfrid's CE Primary School, we are dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all our pupils, staff, and the wider community. We recognise that everyone faces challenges in life, and it’s important to acknowledge that we all have mental health, which is why we are committed to providing the necessary support to ensure everyone’s emotional needs are met.

Our Approach:

At St Wilfrid’s, we aim to:

• Provide a Safe and Nurturing Environment: We maintain clear expectations for behaviour, creating an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.
• Promote Emotional Awareness: We help our children understand and manage their emotions and feelings, ensuring they feel comfortable sharing any concerns.
• Build Strong Relationships: We encourage pupils to form and maintain positive relationships with others.
• Foster Self-Esteem: We aim to develop children’s self-worth, ensuring they know they are unique, valued by God, and important to the community.
• Encourage Confidence: We support our children to live confidently and experience life to its fullest.
• Develop Resilience: We teach our pupils how to handle challenges and become the best version of themselves.
• Ensure Holistic Learning: Our curriculum covers relationships, health, and safety to help children understand the importance of maintaining good mental health.
• Support Families: We see parents and carers as partners and work together to support the wellbeing and development of each child.
• Promote Staff Wellbeing: We also prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of every staff member within the school community.

The Importance of Mental Health and Wellbeing:

Research has shown that many children and young people experience mental health challenges, and early intervention is vital. According to the Mental Health Foundation, about 1 in 6 children and young people face mental health issues. Studies also highlight that 75% of children with mental health issues have not received early support, which is why we place a strong emphasis on identifying mental health needs early and offering timely support.

Wellbeing in Our Curriculum:

We promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing through the curriculum and school activities. We use the SCARF program, alongside our teaching of Relationships, Health, and Education (RHE), to help pupils develop the skills and knowledge they need to lead confident, healthy, and independent lives. Themes that support emotional health and wellbeing include:

• Valuing Ourselves and Others: Learning about self-worth and the importance of loving others well.
• Emotional Resilience: Understanding how to process negative emotions and practice forgiveness.
• Bravery and Communication: Encouraging pupils to communicate with honesty and pride.
• Hope and Solutions: Teaching children that no matter how difficult a situation may seem, there is always a way through.

Additional Support and Resources:

We recognise that mental health support can take many forms, and we have a range of strategies in place to assist our pupils:

• Mindfulness and Reflection: We use resources to promote relaxation and mindfulness. Each class has a designated area for quiet reflection, helping pupils transition between lessons and providing space for calm when needed.
• Nurture Support: We offer nurture sessions for children who need additional social and emotional support. These sessions are personalised and delivered by our trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs).
• Outdoor Learning: We value the benefits of outdoor learning, and our Forest School program offers pupils time to connect with nature while promoting wellbeing.

Supporting Vulnerable Children:

For pupils who require more specialised support, we work closely with external services like CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), School Nurses, and other community services like the MHST (Mental Health Support Team). Our SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) or Mental Health Lead makes referrals as needed to ensure each child’s needs are fully supported.

Whole-School Initiatives:

• Wellbeing Events: Led by our pupil representatives, we host events like Mental Health Awareness Week and Anti-Bullying Week to focus on building resilience and teaching strategies to cope with anxiety and change.
• Active Participation: We encourage pupils to engage in physical activities, including The Daily Mile, to boost both mental and physical wellbeing.

Working Together with Parents:

If you have concerns about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, or if you would like more information on how we can work together to support your child, please contact our Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, Mrs McCoulough, via the school office. We are here to help every step of the way.

Further Resources:

To support families, we also provide access to a variety of resources for mental health and wellbeing, including:

• Young Minds: Expert advice for parents on supporting mental health.
• Mind: Self-care tips for managing anxiety.
• Winston’s Wish: Bereavement support for children.
• Childline: Guidance on managing stress, anxiety, and other concerns.

At St Wilfrid’s, we are committed to providing a compassionate and supportive environment that helps every member of our school community thrive emotionally and mentally.