At The Academy the emotional wellbeing of children is of the greatest importance. We understand that at different times lots of children struggle with their emotions. Regardless of their age, children and young people can find the pressures of modern life difficult. Some may react immediately to events, while others may show signs of difficulty later. How a child or young person reacts can vary according to their age, how they understand information and communicate, their previous experiences, and how they typically cope with stress. Adverse reactions may include thinking about their health or that of family and friends, fear, avoidance, problems sleeping, or physical symptoms such as stomachache.
Our role in school is to ensure that children are able to manage times of change and stress, and that they are supported to reach their potential or access help when they need it. We also have a role to ensure that children learn about what they can do to maintain positive mental health, what affects their mental health, how they can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and where they can go if they need help and support.
Our aim is to help develop the protective factors which build resilience to mental health problems and to be a school where:
- All children are valued.
- Children have a sense of belonging and feel safe.
- Children feel able to talk openly with trusted adults about their problems without feeling any stigma.
- Positive mental health is promoted and valued.
- Bullying is not tolerated.
Our School has developed a range of strategies and approaches including:
- Campaigns, circle time and assemblies to raise awareness of mental health.
- Peer mediation, nurture groups and mentoring – children working together with our school counsellor to solve problems and planned sessions where identified adults/students mentor another student.
- Backfield KiVa Friends – a lunchtime group supporting younger children at lunchtime.
- Transition programme to the Senior School which includes all Year 8 children having a DP1 mentor to support a smooth transition to senior school.
- Special helpers where children can be praised for certain duties or tasks and have them celebrated in class.
- Worry boxes in classrooms.
- KiVa programme and lessons.
- PSHE lessons.
- Wellbeing week – a whole school-wide focus on doing things which make us feel good.
- Displays and information around the school which promote positive mental health and advising where to go for help and support.
For further advice and guidance in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing take a look at some of these useful links:
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