Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Barcombe C E Primary School, mental health and emotional wellbeing is an important part of school life for both children and staff.
We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff to ensure that the school is a community where everyone feels able to thrive. Positive mental wellbeing is essential if children and young people are to flourish and lead fulfilling lives.
At our school, 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.
Our structures and practices consistently support all children’s mental health across the school community. We continually consider how children’s individual needs are met through a stepped approach, ensuring that practices are consistent for all children, whilst providing additional support for the most vulnerable children.
We have support from a wide range of services on whom we can call or signpost our families to for advice. These are outlined in our Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Policy.
Anna Freud
This leaflet which was created alongside the Talking Mental Health Animation & Toolkit features an introduction from our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge who supported the You're never too young to talk mental health campaign stating the campaign's resources "demonstrate how we can help children express their feelings, respond appropriately, and prevent small problems from snowballing into bigger ones."
Our free Helping children and young people to manage anxiety: A practical guide to supporting pupils and students during periods of disruption draws on the existing evidence base around self-care and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to think about how we can support children and young people struggling with anxiety. It is aimed at supporting teachers working remotely with children, and can also be shared to support parents and carers who are playing a more significant role than ever in their child’s education at a challenging time.
Supporting children and young people in their mental health
This guide aims to encourage and build on the good work that schools already do in terms of differentiation and adapting approaches to include all children and help to maximise their academic and emotional development. Schools should address barriers to academic outcomes, and this guide is designed to support schools in addressing emotional behavioural and emerging mental health problems which can be barriers to attainment. Taking a whole school approach to emotional and mental wellbeing and using some of the simple low cost suggestions for classroom teachers in this guide can support children and young people’s sense of belonging to a school and encourage attendance, good development and improve learning outcomes.
Useful links
youngminds.org.uk Leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges.
annafreud.org A children's mental health charity delivering pioneering mental health care for over 60 years
mind.org.uk Five ways to wellbeing
openforparents.org If you live in East Sussex and you’re worried about managing your child’s behaviour, supporting their development or their emotional wellbeing or you want support and advice to help build a positive relationship with your child, we can help.
anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk A great anti-bullying website for both teachers and families.
czone.eastsussex.gov.uk/health-safety-wellbeing/mental-health-emotional/ Resources, advice and signposting to support can be found here, as well as news and events.
Health in Mind - help for adults
It is not only our young people that are finding life hard at the moment. If you need help you can contact Health in Mind.
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://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-guide-to-support-a-z/#self-esteem
Coronavirus mental health support
Everyday Mindfulness and Meditation for Stress, Anxiety, Sleep, Focus, Fitness,
Action Plan With Simple Steps To Help You Look After Your Mental Health. Simple Steps To Help You Take Care Of Your Mental Health. NHS Advice. Create An Action Plan. Mental Wellbeing. Sleep Better. Stay Connected.
YOUNG MINDS Parents’ Guide To Support A-Z
Our A-Z gives you advice on how to help your child with specific mental health conditions, and life events which might be negatively affecting their wellbeing. We'll also show you where you can get help.
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-guide-to-support-a-z/#self-esteem
https://www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up/shake-ups
Cosmic Kids Yoga - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5uIZ2KOZZeQDQo_Gsi_qbQ
5 Minute Move | Kids Workout 1 | The Body Coach TV - YouTube
MINDFULNESS Headspace
Headspace – Underlying calm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0WYFXxhPGY
Headspace- A mini meditation for self-care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSSyvmBCTj8
Headspace – Training the mind, changing perspective