Pupil Wellbeing

Pupil Wellbeing and Mental Health

 

Welcome to Our Wellbeing Hub!

At St Mary's Catholic Primary School, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to speak up and thrive. Here, you’ll find resources and information on how we promote positive mental health, support wellbeing, and provide access to professional services.

 

Space to Talk: Encouraging Open Conversations

We know that sometimes it's hard to talk about how we feel. Whether it's feeling a little down, worried about something, or just needing someone to listen, we are here to help.

What to Do if You Need to Talk:

  • Talk to a Teacher or TA: They are always available to listen and support.
  • Peer Mentors: Our trained Mental Health Ambassadors are available at break times if you need a friend to talk to.
  • Pastoral Staff:  Trained staff who are available to listen and help 

 

Wellbeing and Mental Health Programs

Our school is committed to nurturing emotional and mental wellbeing through a range of fun and interactive programs. These programs help students learn about their emotions, build resilience, and develop positive habits.

  • Thrive: A Whole School Approach to Mental Health

 

A whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing involves embedding emotional wellbeing at every level of school life, from leadership to curriculum design and staff development. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, school can help remove barriers to learning, improve children's behaviour, and enhance attendance and attainment.

This approach, supported by the government’s eight principles for promoting mental health in education, encourages collaboration between pupils, staff, parents, and external services, ensuring that wellbeing is integral to every aspect of school life. Thrive’s whole school framework aligns with these principles, offering the tools and training needed to build emotional resilience and achieve positive, long-lasting outcomes.

Trained Thrive Staff: 

Ms Hind:  Licenced Practitioner

Mrs Wolff: Licenced Practitioner 

 

  • Anti-Bullying Week: Focuses on kindness, empathy, and building strong relationships with classmates.
  • Inclusion Week: Celebrating our diverse needs and building strong relationships.

 

Professional Support Services at Our School

We understand that sometimes additional support is needed, and we are proud to work with professionals who provide expert advice and care.

  • Barnardo’s: Our school works closely with Barnardo’s, a charity that offers mental health support, advice, and resources for children and families. Their team provides confidential support to help children overcome difficulties they may face.

  • ACE Counselling: Our school has access to ACE Counselling services, offering professional counseling for students who may need extra support with emotional or mental health challenges. They help students manage stress, anxiety, and personal issues in a caring and understanding way.

  • Nurture and Thrive Program: This specialized program is designed to support students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. It provides small group support, one-on-one sessions, and activities to help students develop skills to manage their emotions and build resilience.

  • Seasons for Growth: An 8 week program to support children who have experienced a loss of any kind: a bereavement or parents separation/divorce.

 

How You Can Help:

We also encourage our school community to come together to promote mental health and wellbeing. Here's how you can get involved:

  • Be Kind: Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's day.
  • Check-In on Friends: Sometimes, all it takes is asking a friend, "How are you today?"
  • Take Care of Yourself: Remember that looking after your own mental health is important too! Practice self-care, talk about your feelings, and ask for support when needed.

 

Emergency Support:

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please let a teacher, a parent, or a trusted adult know. You can also reach out to the following helplines for urgent support:

  • Childline: Call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.
  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7 support).
  • Mind: Visit www.mind.org.uk for mental health resources and support.

 

Get in Touch:

If you have any questions, want to learn more about our programs, or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out.