Mental health and wellbeing

Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee

The Stapleford Primary School Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee was created to help pupils, families, staff and governors remain mentally and physically well.

Committee members include:

Aimee Wenlock – Staff member (Class 4 Teacher) – School Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead

James Shillito – Headteacher

Sarah Woodley – Staff member (Forest School Leader, Breakfast Club, Teaching Assistant), School governor and parent

Pupil wellbeing and support

Pupils may experience a variety of emotions during their time in a primary school setting such as anxiety, stress or low mood to name a few. It is important to contextualise these feelings as normal responses to what are often abnormal situations. Our Philosophy for Children P4C lessons support our children’s mental health and well-being. They provide an excellent opportunity for the children to talk about anything they are worried about.

All staff will:

  • nurture pupils and their families
  • support the rebuilding of friendships and social engagement
  • address and equip pupils to respond to issues they are worried about
  • support pupils with approaches to improving their physical and mental wellbeing

Please make the Class teacher and SENCO aware if your child is struggling so that the school can provide more focused pastoral support.

School nursing services are available to support the health and wellbeing of pupils. They offer a range of support including:

  • support for resilience, mental health and wellbeing including anxiety, bereavement and sleep issues
  • support for pupils with additional and complex health needs
  • supporting vulnerable children and keeping children safe

Physical activity in schools

We understand the importance of being physically active and the part that this plays in maintaining the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils. In addition to our Physical Education curriculum we aim to keep the children active/busy during playtimes and lunch breaks through directed playground games. There are also a large selection of after school sports clubs available for the children to sign up and enjoy.

Useful links

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

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.

https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/

Quality-assured information, advice and resources to help primary schools understand and promote children’s mental health and wellbeing.

https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/

Advice and guidance for parents and carers to help them support a child of young person experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Advice on mental health from the NHS.