Supporting Mental Health

At Cowick CE Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. 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. 

We believe it is important to ensure that children are able to manage times of change and anxiety and that they feel supported to access help when they need it. We also have a role to ensure that children learn about how they can maintain positive mental health, what affects their physical health, mental health and where they can go to access help and support when they need it.

In order to achieve this, we have a whole school approach to promoting positive mental health and well-being.  We do this by:

• Following the requirements of the RSE guidance.
• Creating an ethos, policies and behaviours that supports mental health and resilience.
• Helping children to develop social relationships and to support each other.
• Helping children to be resilient learners.
• Teaching children social and emotional skills, alongside an awareness of mental health.
• Developing a curriculum that focusses on the whole child and not just academia.
• Early intervention and support including working with outside agencies when appropriate.
• Effectively working with parents and carers.
• Supporting and training staff to develop their own skills and resilience.  
• 3 staff trained in youth mental health. (Miss Montgomery, Mrs Rawes and Mrs Tuxworth)
• 2 Senior leaders trained in mental health, as advised in DfE guidance.  Miss Montgomery has undertaken training with the Brightcore on a community and whole school approach to mental health.  Mrs Rawes has also undertaken this training.
• Mrs Clark and Mrs Wilson are ELSA trained.
• Miss Montgomery is trained as a mental health champion.
• Developing an open culture that encourages discussion and understanding mental health awareness.
• Regular mental well-being days to promote the importance of positive well-being and strategies to help children cope.
• Whole school tier system of support for each child.
• Whole school promotion of kindness and building resilience in all areas of the curriculum.

Below are some useful website links that may help you and your child to support their emotional health and well-being:

	Young Minds
	We Are Beyond
	Childhood Bereavement Network
	Wrap -Wellness Recovery Action Plan
	Papyrus
	Suicide Prevention Helpline Number: 0800 068 4141
	NHS Advice for Parents
	Let's Get Better
	FREE confidential textline
	Kooth