Mental Health & Wellbeing
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Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community (World Health Organisation).
Archibald Primary promotes the mental health and wellbeing of pupils throughout their time at the school by promoting positive mental health. We aim to promote a culture of calm, structure and dignity through having clear behaviour expectations for all pupils. We also put appropriate support in place for those suffering from mental health problems and work closely with outside agencies to provide specialist advice when required.
Throughout the school we use the Zones of Regulation to help pupils manage their emotions through self-regulation. We aim to teach all of our pupils good coping and regulation strategies so they can help themselves when they experience anxiety and stress in school or in their lives outside the school gates. By teaching pupils how to cope effectively with negative feelings they may experience when faced with a tricky learning problem or challenge will make them better at tackling learning challenges and build better resilience, so they don’t give up so easily when faced with difficulty. We want pupils at Archibald to grow into successful teenagers then adults. Teaching children at a young age about managing their feelings will support them in later life so that they don’t turn to negative coping strategies which affect their mental and physical wellbeing. We aim to help children to:
- Recognise when they are in the different Zones and learn how to change or stay in the Zone they are in
- Increase their emotional vocabulary so they can explain how they are feeling
- Recognise when other people are in different Zones, thus developing better empathy
- Develop an insight into what might make them move into the different Zones
- Understand that emotions, sensory experiences such as lack of sleep or hunger and their environment might influence which Zone they are in
- Develop problem-solving skills and resilience.
- Identify a range of calming and alerting strategies that support them (known as their personal ‘toolkit’).
Pupils are taught how to use the ‘worry box’ in their classroom if they have anything that they would like to share with an adult in school. These worries are then picked up by the class teacher and/or referred on to the mentor/wellbeing team as appropriate. Following consultation, upper Key Stage 2 pupils have a ‘worry box’ on the corridor rather than in the classroom.
Curriculum Coverage
As part of our commitment to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
All pupils are taught PSHE lessons following a comprehensive scheme of work. This helps pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. PSHE education helps pupils to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will face growing up, including minimising risk taking behaviour, keeping themselves safe together with promoting digital resilience in our modern society.
Pupil Support
For students experiencing a mental health difficulty we have a range of different resources at our disposal in the school. Pupils will be directed towards the most appropriate avenue for support.
- Pastoral Team
- Nurture Group
- Working with other external agencies (e.g. Bungalow, Inside Out, ND Pathway, Daisy Chain).
Support for Parents
For pupils experiencing a mental health difficulty we have a range of different resources at our disposal in the a school (see above). The DfE has produced a list of websites/providers that any parent can access to get extra support at home.
Daisy Chain
Award winning charity supporting autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults and their families.
CAMHS
CAMHS is used as a term for all services that work with children and young people who have difficulties with their emotional or behavioural wellbeing.
Parents and carers may also need help and advice to deal with behavioural or other problems their child is experiencing. Parents, carers and young people can receive direct support through CAMHS.
How do I get help from CAMHS?
CAMHS in Middlesbrough have their own website, which has information about access, referrals and more, including phone numbers, so you can get in touch directly for detailed advice.
Other Useful Contacts
and young people in the UK.
childline.org.uk
0800 1111
Wendy Kelly - Programme Manager 01642 728079
Andy Appleyard - Programme officer 01642 728256
Nicola Hunt - School development officer 01642 728284
the prevention of cruelty to children.
Helpline (adults): 0800 800 5000
Helpline (children and young people): 0800 1111
help@nspcc.org.uk
nspcc.org.uk
020 7089 5050 (General enquiries)
0808 802 5544 (Parents helpline, for any adult with concerns about the mental health of a child or young person)
youngminds.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 800 2222
familylives.org.uk
24-hour helpline: 116 123 (freephone)
samaritans.org