There are many ways to define wellbeing, and that is a discussion in itself. For this report, we define ‘wellbeing’ as referenced in the widely accepted World Health Organisation definition of mental health:

“Mental health is defined as 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.”

Over the course of their education, children spend over 7,800 hours at school.

With such a huge amount of time spent in the classroom, our school provides an ideal environment for promoting good emotional wellbeing and identifying early behaviour changes and signs of mental distress. The social and emotional skills, knowledge and behaviours that young people learn in the classroom can help them to build resilience and set the pattern for how they will manage their mental health throughout their lives.

Emotional wellbeing is a clear indicator of academic achievement, success and satisfaction in later life. Evidence shows that mental health and wellbeing programmes in schools, can lead to significant improvements in children’s mental health, and social and emotional skills. 

What are we doing as a school to support children with their mental health and emotional wellbeing?

At Oldmixon 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 recognise that children need to know that they matter, that we value them, that their voice can be heard, that we can help them, that we will be here for them. We acknowledge them every day through greetings, a gesture, a nod, a smile and a conversation.

We talk about the power of listening. For children some things are huge, and we need to recognise this and affirm their feelings for that thing - be it a scratch they have, a funny feeling in their tummy, a sad feeling because of a falling out, a sigh because they cannot do something - we need to set aside our 'rush' to teach and ensure progress and attainment and ensure that we have done our best to support our children to be ready to learn - emotionally available. We do this at all levels - leadership to office staff, teachers to midday supervisors.

How do we promote a mentally healthy environment?

At Oldmixon Primary, we promote a mentally healthy environment through:

• Promoting our school values and encouraging a sense of belonging.
• Promoting pupil voice.
• Celebrating academic and non academic achievements.
• Providing opportunities to develop a sense of worth through taking responsibility for themselves and others.
• Providing opportunities to reflect.
• Helping children to understand their emotions and feelings better and to feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries.
• Helping children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks.
• Access to appropriate support that meets their needs.

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 resilience for all, using 'trauma informed' approaches across the school: Staff have a sound understanding of child development. Staff know how children’s brains develop and help them with their emotional regulation, knowing that this will help to safeguard their future mental health.

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 such as wellbeing groups or 1:1 sessions with a Learning Mentor.

What do we currently do for mental health and wellbeing for our pupils and staff?

• We have a designated Mental Health and Well Being Lead in school that is responsible for promoting wellbeing for our staff and pupils (Mrs Lindsay Avci).
• We have trained Learning Mentors who offer 'Emotional Literacy Support'. They deliver 1:1 and small group sessions for interventions such as Time to Talk - which focuses on resilience and social skills.
• 1:1 check in with pupils in liaison with our SENDCo.
• We have home/school communication books for pupil’s who require more regular updates.
• We have move up days, extra transition sessions and meet the teacher sessions for when a pupil is finding a class move difficult.
• We have an allocated buddy for all new pupils.
• We have a lunchtime small group session (Lunch Bunch) for pupils, to chat/share their worries with an adult and for those pupils who find busy lunchtimes stressful.
• We have Key Stage 2 children as play-leaders to support younger children in positive play.
• We have positive behaviour systems in place to promote positive social behaviour.
• We have mental health and wellbeing assemblies to promote resilience and self-management.
• We have a PSHE curriculum that helps pupils to build important life skills, such as learning to learn, habits of mind and the growth mindset.
• Our ethos is to promote supporting the development of skills and character traits such as perseverance, compassion and teamwork.
• We have a Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for our school which is regularly updated.
• We include World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Week in the school calendar and plan activities for the whole school.

Interventions to support Mental Health and Wellbeing:

Learning mentors coordinate the following interventions for pupils mental health and well being:

• Mentoring
• Self-esteem individual and group activities
• Bereavement Counselling
• Lego therapy (Brick Club)
• Zones of Regulation
• Time to Talk.
•  

Learning Mentor/Family Support.

Here at Oldmixon, we believe being a parent is one of the most challenging, rewarding and important roles that anyone can have. All the children with us deserve to be supported from their earliest years so they can develop the life skills they will need to grow into happy healthy young people.

What do we offer at Oldmixon?

Oldmixon Primary employs two Learning Mentors: Mrs Palfrey and Miss Daniels. As Learning Mentors, they work with children who require assistance in overcoming barriers to learning in order to achieve their full potential.

Pastoral group sessions and 1:1 sessions take place in the Learning Mentor room: 'The Hive'. The Learning Mentor Room is bright and colourful where the children can come and talk freely in an inviting space. 

These Barriers May Include:

• Low attendance
• Personal Organisation
• Dealing with Bereavement
• General disaffection and disengagement from learning
• Low self-esteem
• Low aspirations
• Mental health issues
• Relationship difficulties
• Bullying
• Peer pressure
• Family issues or concerns.

What Do Learning Mentors Actually Do?

Learning mentors mainly work with pupils on a one-to-one or small group basis. They help to develop coping strategies, enhance motivation, raise aspirations and encourage re-engagement with learning.

They take account of a range of complex underlying issues that may impact negatively on learning and achievement. They also work closely with teachers, parents, family support workers and social workers.

The Decider Skills:

The Decider skills are designed to give young people the skills to get between the impulse to act/react to a situation, and the action taken. This allows for more balanced thinking and healthier choices.

Every few weeks, the children will be taught a new 'Decider Skill'. This will be added to the website. Eventually, the children will learn all 12 Decider Skills to use at school and at home.

We are currently living through extremely challenging times, and now perhaps more than ever, looking after our mental health and well-being is of paramount importance to us all.

What do I do if I am worried about my child's mental health or wellbeing?

Go to your GP as a first port of call as they are a useful place to gain medical support and signposting of local services. Talk to your child’s class teacher about your child's needs or your concerns.

Lead staff members to contact if you are concerned about your child’s mental health: 

Mrs Corinna Sutton  (DSL/Headteacher) 

Mrs Lindsay Avci (DSL/SENDCO)

Mrs Palfrey (DSL/Learning Mentor)

Miss Chloe Daniels (DSL/Learning Mentor)

This is a link for you to access Young Minds.  It is an organisation for children and has a helpline for parents. You can contact them via, webchat, email and phone. 

Kooth is an organisation set up for children. It delivers free online support for young people delivered by qualified counsellors via chat-based services. It is all monitored and very safe for children to access. 

https://www.kooth.com/