Mental Health and Wellbeing
At St Mary’s Church of England Primary, we recognise that children’s mental health and wellbeing are just as important as their academic progress. We believe that wellbeing grows through everyday routines, supportive relationships and opportunities to talk about feelings. When children feel safe, understood and valued, they are better able to manage worries, build confidence and engage positively with their learning. Our relational approach helps children to develop the emotional skills, resilience and sense of belonging they need to flourish.
We work closely with the NHS Mental Health Support Team for Schools to promote positive mental health across our school community. Through this partnership, we are able to access advice, support and resources that help us to identify and respond to children’s emotional and mental health needs. We also provide opportunities for children to learn about emotions, relationships and strategies that can help them to understand and manage their feelings as part of everyday school life.
We are also fortunate to have a Place2Be Counsellor working in school two days each week. Our counsellor provides individual support for children who may benefit from a safe, confidential space to talk and explore their feelings. In addition, a lunchtime drop-in session gives children the opportunity to seek support informally when they need someone to talk to. Through our relationships with children, families and specialist services, we aim to make sure that every child knows that they are valued, that it is okay to ask for help, and that they do not have to face worries on their own.