OUR APPROACH
Nurturing Happy, Healthy Minds
As a National Nurturing School, we believe that the emotional and mental wellbeing of our children is as crucial as their academic development; healthy minds mean happy learners.
Our whole school approach to mental health ensures that every child feels empowered to express their thoughts and feelings safe in the knowledge that we will help them navigate the complexities of school life with the support of their trusted adults and the wider school community.
We recognise and value the importance of early help and strive to support children with tools, services and experiences to foster positive emotional wellbeing. By prioritising their wellbeing, we provide them with the support they need to thrive; equipping them with lifelong coping strategies and enabling them to reach their full potential both in and out of school, now and in years to come.
UNIVERSAL SUPPORT
The school promotes a culture of being positive, caring and inclusive and our Year 6 Wellbeing Champions embody these characteristics. They are a friendly face and a listening ear, promoting positive mental health throughout the school. They help to host mindful sessions and activities such as Calm Club as well as implementing whole school events and initiatives that raise awareness about a range of mental health topics.
Emotional Literacy
In addition to our PSHE curriculum, we are proud to work with the Happy Confident Company to deliver social and emotional literacy to all children via a ‘Feel It’ programme. Taught as a standalone lesson, children are introduced to age-appropriate emotional vocabulary and encouraged to notice these feelings in their body via engaging content and materials. By developing their emotional literacy, we can better support them with coping strategies and techniques that will build lifelong resilience.
Sensory Garden
Designed as a calm space that provides a moment’s peace away from the classroom, our Sensory Garden is a place to appreciate the moment and be still. It is a wonderful place to garden, to unwind or to read in, all of which are proven to boost your emotional wellbeing.
TARGETED SUPPORT
We recognise that children may need a little extra help from time to time. Working with teaching staff, families and the child themselves, we offer additional therapeutic support that is selected to best support the individual emotional needs of the child.
ELSA
Mrs Hirst is our Emotional Literacy specialist. The ELSA project is a national initiative led by Educational Psychologists that helps to build the capacity of schools to support the emotional needs of their pupils from within, providing children with mental health support when they need it. ELSA sessions are a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which helps to ‘rewrite’ the brain into more helpful thinking patterns. Sessions can focus on; emotional literacy, self-esteem, security and belonging, worries & anxiety, loss, separation and bereavement, resilience & growth mindset.
The Happy Human Project
Delivered in and funded by school, Happy Coaches host emotional wellbeing group sessions for those children that may need extra support to cope with their feelings. They teach them how to be kind to their mind and to notice the effect our feelings can have on our everyday lives as well as providing them with mindful techniques and coping strategies.
Outdoor Learners
A weekly group session that takes place in the school’s green spaces, Outdoor Learners brings together elements of the curriculum whilst teaching children social and emotional skills that develop empathy, listening, teamwork and self-esteem. From den-building to nature crafts, poetry appreciation to bird watching, children adore their ‘green therapy’.
Paws & Play
Research has shown that spending time with animals can boost a child’s emotional wellbeing. We partner with charity ‘Pets As Therapy’ to provide children access to a therapy dog. She has a noticeable effect on a child’s self-esteem, is a calming influence and a listening ear – whether for sharing stories, supporting children through their SATS or putting minds at ease when moving year groups.
SPECIALIST SUPPORT
Family Support Worker
We work closely with VISTA to provide paid for support to a small number of children and families, enabling them access to a designated Family Support Worker. They are experts in supporting with health & financial services, challenging behaviours, separated families and can help to navigate sensitive issues too.
Families First
Where the family feels they need more support and potentially help from more than one organisation, we can arrange a Families First Assessment. Regular meetings then take place to ensure the support is helpful and in line with the family’s needs.
NESSie
In collaboration with parents/carers, we are able to refer to NESSie, a provider of creative therapy (drama, movement, art) and counselling, where it is felt that children need support from those with more specialist skills e.g. in relation to a specific event, or circumstance e.g. trauma, bereavement, separation.
HIGHEST LEVEL OF SUPPORT
For a small number of children, it is necessary to work with organisations including:
Children’s Services
Children’s Services are part of Hertfordshire County Council and work on supporting families and children who are at serious risk or physical or mental health conditions. They offer a range of services including child protections, health support and support for children with additional needs.
CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services)
CAMHS is an NHS service that assess and treat those that require specialist professional mental health. As a school, we can make a professional referral for these services. CAMHS can sometimes be referred to as CYPMHS (Children & Young People’s Mental Health Services).
Intensive Families Team
Where families have multiple and complex needs that require an intensive level of support, we can make a referral.
USEFUL LINKS & EXTERNAL RESOURCES
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
https://www.justtalkherts.org/parents/advice-for-parents.aspx
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cw9v6l8d0q6t
https://www.annafreud.org/resources/children-and-young-peoples-wellbeing/
https://www.happyconfident.com
https://nessieined.com
https://www.happyhumanproject.co.uk
CONTACT US
If you would like to arrange to speak with Mrs Hirst, or would like further information around any of the services above, please use the form below.