Well-being and Mental Health
Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Squirrel Hayes First School, we endeavour to prepare our learners with skills for life and teaching them to understand mental health and wellbeing is a high priority. We are an inclusive school and believe that all children have the right to be accepted, to achieve and be valued for the contribution that they make. We are committed to promoting resilience, reciprocity, reflectiveness and resourcefulness. Positive wellbeing and mental health are what we aim to develop for all of our pupils, staff and parents/carers. Wellbeing is linked to a state of being healthy, happy and comfortable with aspects of our lives. We strive to ensure that our school provides mental health support, awareness, understanding and intervention. Wellbeing is at the heart of our school and we pride ourselves on our caring approach and really knowing each child.
Learners are taught about Mental Health through Relationships, Health and Education sessions. We have a variety of focusses including:
- The importance of sleep and preparing the right environment.
- Healthy eating- the benefits of this compared to other choices.
- Exercise- how it can improve our mood, reduce our feelings of stress, reduce any anger that we may feel, alleviate anxieties and give our brains a boost.
- The importance of taking time to relax.
- Recognising the importance of healthy relationships and understanding what friendship should look like.
- Making sure that we connect with family and friends and do not isolate ourselves by being online via games or social media sites.
- Identifying emotions that we are experiencing and talking about them. Understanding zones of regulation.
- Developing strategies to calm down when your emotions overwhelm you.
- Appreciating the positive aspects of life and being grateful for the things that you have.
- Asking trusted adults and friends for help when you need it.
Should you be concerned about your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to contact us.
There are various websites that can also help you to support your child’s mental health needs.
Useful links
Place2Be Parenting Smart- this website features lot of practical tips and advice on how to support your child through bereavement, sleep problems, body image, bullying and much more.
https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk
Young Minds- Parents Mental Health Support- This website features lots of practical advice and tips on supporting your child.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
BBC Bitesize- Parents’ tips for supporting your child’s mental health
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cw9v6l8d0q6t
NHS Advice for Parents- Advice for parents with children experiencing mental health problems.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/
Childline- 0800 1111 Whatever your worry, Childline are there and will listen.
More information can be found by click this link Here