Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (World Health Organisation)
Our mental health leader is Mrs Carpenter. Years Three, Four and Five have been trained to become Mental Health Champions by One Goal.
We understand the impact that the global pandemic of coronavirus will have on our staff and students. At our school, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our school community as well as respond to mental ill health. We will ensure emotional support is provided especially during stressful times.
We understand that taking a listening and empathetic approach is important when talking to students about their mental health issues. This can sometimes be what is initially needed by the pupil rather than advice or direction. If there are any safeguarding concerns discussion with the Designated Safeguarding Leader will take place.
We ensure that the mental wellbeing of our staff and pupils is through an open, accepting and empathetic ethos. The core Christian values of the school, particularly respect, trust and friendship emphasise the importance of other's feelings and we endeavour to live and model these values, every day.
Our curriculum is underpinned by personal, social and health development whereby children continually develop their understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle - including emotional, social and physical health principles.
When we feel someone is struggling with their mental wellbeing and health, concerns can be logged through school systems CPOMS - and the appropriate member of the pastoral team will set a plan in motion for getting the pupil back on track. This is closely monitored and updated on the school's internal system and parents are kept informed with updates.
The school's Pastoral & Welfare worker will be directed to support children with their mental health and wellbeing, with their recommendations utilised and closely monitored through CPOMS.
Mental health of staff is further supported through the health assured package which offers many benefits including health screening days, stress awareness sessions, counselling and physiotherapy. All of these services are displayed prominently on the staff wellbeing board. Anonymous staff well being questionnaires have been used as a starting point and the responses used to formulate a workplace health and wellbeing strategy. We have signed up to the Education Staff Wellbeing Charter.
As well as embedding the following into our curriculum:
https://www.pshe-association.org.uk/curriculum-and-resources/resources
Other sources of support include:
NYC - Children and Young People's Mental Health
Improving children’s mental health in schools – Place2Be
Young Minds https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/ - free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis, with texts answered by trained volunteers supported by experienced clinical supervisors
Go To - https://thegoto.org.uk/ - the home of wellbeing and mental health in North Yorkshire. The website helps young people find the right help and support to stay well, whatever is happening in their life
Childline - https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/ - free, confidential, anonymous 24/7 service for anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue including emotional and mental health
Dedicated to self-harm recovery, insight and support https://www.selfharm.co.uk/
Beat Eating Disorders https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/do-i-have-an-eating-disorder
Mental health and behaviour in schools https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-behaviour-in-schools--2
Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk OCD UK www.ocduk.org
Depression Alliance www.depressoinalliance.org
Eating Disorders www.b-eat.co.uk and www.inourhands.com
National Self-Harm Network www.nshn.co.uk
Suicidal thoughts Prevention of young suicide UK – PAPYRUS: www.papyrus-uk.org
Advice and support on mental health problems www.mind.org.uk
E-learning www.minded.org.uk
Tackles the stigma of mental health www.time-to-change.org.uk
Challenges attitudes towards mental health www.rethink.org