Wellbeing

At Urchfont CE Primary School, we are committed to promoting positive wellbeing and mental health for all of our school community. We are proactive in advocating a ‘whole school’ approach to the social and emotional wellbeing of our young people and take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play. We understand that the wellbeing of our children is affected by the wellbeing of the adults they interact with.  We are, therefore, aware of the need to protect and promote the emotional health and wellbeing of each and every member of our school community.  We believe that successful learners are resilient and can self-regulate. We are keen to provide an environment where children are taught to value themselves and their emotional wellbeing as key factors in their success.  School we support the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and

We promote a mentally healthy environment through:

  • Actively promoting our school values through the over-arching themes of Perseverance, Wisdom, Courage and Hope.
  • Encouraging pupil voice and opportunities to participate in decision-making.
  • Celebrating academic and non-academic achievements in classes and through assemblies.
  • Maintaining clear expectations and boundaries through a consistent and supportive whole school approach.
  • Providing opportunities to develop a sense of worth through taking responsibility for themselves and others.
  • Promoting outdoor education and getting outside ‘whatever the weather’.
  • Providing opportunities to reflect on negative or difficult experiences using a restorative approach.
  • Access to appropriate support to meet children’s needs.

The school follows the DfE guidelines for the teaching of Mental Health and Wellbeing in the following ways: 

  • Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE & RSE) scheme of work – JIGSAW – taught in weekly sessions in each year group.
  • Mini-Me Yoga – a sequenced programme with physical workouts and calming stretch sequences.
  • Metacognition lessons to help children reflect on their thinking and to build resilience and positive learning strategies.

Mental Health Concerns For Your Child

Our staff have regular training on how to develop and support emotional wellbeing both for themselves and for pupils.  We have many skilled staff who are able to provide appropriate interventions for pupil’s mental health and in addition to this we have our trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) who can deliver support sessions outside of the classroom.

Our school values the support of parents by working in partnership with them to support their child.  If parents have a mental health concern about their child they are most welcome to discuss this with Mrs Groves, our school SENCO. In addition to in-school support we also have access to outside agencies to whom we can refer children with specific mental health needs.

Please read our SEMH policy which sets out our roles and responsibilities within this area - SEMH Policy 2023 

For information or support with your own or your child’s mental health away from school you may find the following resources useful.

Place to Be –    https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/news/how-parents-and-carers-can-support-childrens-mental-health-and-wellbeing/

Young Minds –  https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/

Anxiety UK –    https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/about-anxiety-and-anxiety-disorders/

Kooth –             https://www.kooth.com/ (an online resource for children and young people themselves)

Please remember, if you are in crisis and require urgent help please dial 999 to contact the emergency services. If you need someone to speak to The Samaritans are available to talk 24 hours a day, and you can call them on: 116 123. If you need immediate support you can also text SHOUT to 85258 anytime day or night and chat by text to share what is worrying you.