Nurturing Mental Health and Wellbeing at Horton CEVA Primary
At Horton, we believe that thriving mental health is fundamental to every child’s success and happiness, just as much as their physical health. We are committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment where all children, parents and staff feel safe, valued and empowered to look after their wellbeing.
Good mental health and wellbeing is just as important as good physical health. Like physical health, mental health can range across a spectrum from healthy to unwell; it can fluctuate on a daily basis and change over time. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times anyone may need additional emotional support.
Guided by the DfE’s “Mental Health and Behaviour in Schools” framework, we focus on these key pillars:
* Proactive Prevention: Cultivating a safe and supportive environment, fostering resilience, and embedding mental well-being education within our curriculum and school ethos.
* Early Identification: Proactively recognizing emerging mental health concerns.
* Early Intervention: Providing timely access to evidence-based support.
* Specialist Referral: Facilitating swift referrals to external agencies for specialized care.
Our Approach:
Proactive Wellbeing Education: Through our engaging and comprehensive curriculum, we equip children with essential self-care skills. This includes learning to:
We are always here to listen and help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. As always, your child’s class teacher is the first point of contact and they might suggest that you contact the senior mental health lead via Class Dojo. For particularly sensitive issues, you are welcome to contact the school office directly to begin the communication. We are committed to providing initial support and, when appropriate, connecting you with specialist services.
Our Commitment:
We are dedicated to fostering a school community where mental health and wellbeing are prioritized. We believe that by working together, we can create a supportive and resilient environment for all our children.
We have created a range of interventions and support systems for pupils who may be struggling with mental health challenges, including personalised support plans which are developed by our Senior mental health lead and referrals to external services.
Key contacts
Mrs Humphreys – Senior Mental Health Lead
Rachel Clarke - SENDCo
Mrs Heather Jones – MeLSA
Mrs Nicola Berry - Executive Head Teacher
In some cases a pupil’s mental health needs support from a specialist service. These might include anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders.
Through referrals, parents and/ or schools can involve other agencies, including:
School Health Nurse service
Educational psychologist
CAMHS (Child and adolescent mental health service)
School referrals will be made by key staff following assessment procedures in consultations with parents/carers. They will only go ahead with consent of the pupil and parents/carers.
Useful Links
Place2Be Parenting Smart – This website features lots of practical tips and advice on how to support your child’s wellbeing and behaviour. It also has information on how to support your child through bereavement, sleep problems, body image, bullying and much more.
https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk/
Young Minds – Parents Mental Health Support – (including access to helpline and webchat.) The website features lots of practical advice and tips on supporting your child.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/ Helpline 0808 802 5544
Anna Freud – Advice and guidance for parents and carers.
https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/
BBC Bitesize – Parents’ tips for supporting your child’s mental health
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zy44bqt
NHS Advice for Parents – Advice for parents with children experiencing mental health problems.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/
Useful telephone numbers
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
SHOUT – Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling to cope?
Text ‘shout’ to 85258 – This is a free and confidential 24/7 textline for parents and carers in need of support.
Samaritans 0330 094 5717 or 116 123 free from any phone
Cruse Bereavement Helpline 0808 808 1677
Mind 0300 1233393
Victim Support 0300 303 1972