Mental Health and Wellbeing

At Albrighton Primary School and Nursery, the wellbeing of our whole school community is our first priority as we recognise that mental health and emotional wellbeing is just as important to our lives as physical health. We know that everyone experiences life challenges at times that can make us vulnerable, therefore anyone may need additional emotional support at some point in their lives. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s responsibility and that we all have an important role to play.  

Our vision is to develop a school community where children can enjoy a nurturing, secure, happy and healthy environment, where all members of our school community can develop self-confidence, self-esteem, self-motivation, independence, compassion, tolerance and understanding of others.

We know that children learn best when they are happy, feeling secure and well-supported. Therefore, we understand the importance of providing children with the right support, at the right time. Our approachable and dedicated staff work tirelessly to develop positive and trusting relationships with pupils, so that they are able to work alongside them and their families to achieve the best possible outcomes. We also have a role in ensuring that children learn about: what they can do to maintain positive mental health; what affects their mental health; how they can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and where they can go if they need help or support at any time.

We know that sometimes, for a variety of reasons, children may need additional pastoral support at school. We are able to offer a range of support to our children including support from learning mentors.

 We take a whole school approach to promote positive mental health, aiming to help children become more resilient, confident, happy and successful and to work in a pro-active way to avoid problems arising. We do this by: 

  • Creating and applying consistent ethos, policies and behaviours that support mental health and resilience, and which everyone understands.
  • Helping children to develop social relationships, support each other and seek help when they need it.
  • Helping children to understand their emotions and feelings better.
  • Make children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries.
  • Promoting self-esteem and ensuring children understand their importance in the World.
  • Helping children to be resilient learners and to manage setbacks.
  • Teaching children social and emotional skills and an awareness of mental health.
  • Identifying children who have mental health challenges and planning support to meet their needs, including working with specialist services, parents and carers.
  • Supporting and training staff to develop their skills and their own resilience.
  • Developing an open culture where it’s normal to talk about mental health. 

We offer different levels of support


Universal Support- 
To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum. For instance, developing a growth mindset with resilience for all.

Additional support- For those who may have short term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement.  

Targeted support- For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions.

Parents and Carers - Parents or carers should approach their child/children’s class teacher or our learning mentor if they have any mental health concerns. In addition to offering universal support within school, we may also discuss with you additional support mechanisms available to you.

 

Our Mental and Wellbeing Policy 

 Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy

Online resources to support Mental Health and Wellbeing can be found on the following websites:

https://youngminds.org.uk/

https://www.annafreud.org/

https://www.annafreud.org/schools-and-colleges/resources/supporting-mental-health-and-wellbeing-in-schools/

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

https://www.childline.org.uk/

https://www.healthforkids.co.uk/

https://www.samaritans.org/

Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service | (shropsdas.org.uk)

 

BEAM

BEAM is an emotional health and wellbeing service for children and young people under 25, who are registered with a GP in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. They have a team of experienced well-being practitioners and volunteers to support.

https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/well-being/services/beam-shropshire-telford-wrekin