Carlton Junior And Infant School

Mental Health and Well Being

Mental health is a state of well-being 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)

Our mental health lead is Mrs Williams. She is well trained and as such we are well informed on how to support the whole school community fully. We are holders of the Wakefield Well Being Charter Mark.

We understand the impact that the global pandemic of coronavirus will have on our staff, children and their families. At our school, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our school community as well as respond to mental health. We will ensure emotional support is provided especially during stressful times.

We understand that taking a listening approach is important when talking to students about their mental health issues. If there are any safeguarding concerns discussion with the DSL will take place.

We ensure the metal wellbeing of our staff and pupils through an open, accepting ethos. Mrs McDermott and Mrs Clamp will be directed to support children who require support with their mental wellbeing and health and further advice / support is sought from the Futures in Mind project, with their recommendations utilised and closely monitored through CPOMS.

Mental health of staff is further supported through the SAS package which offers many benefits including health screening days, stress awareness sessions, counselling and physiotherapy. Our aim is to ensure staff have a positive work life balance which will support their good mental health. .

Our curriculum is underpinned by personal, social and health development whereby children continually develop their understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle - including emotional, social and physical health principles. Our school also offers experiences to promote positive mental health including: an after-school reading club specifically designed for 'Healthy hearts and minds,' forest school and yoga sessions.

We use Wakefield Resilience framework to build resilience in our pupils:

https://www.riskandresilience.org.uk/

As well as embedding the following into our curriculum:

https://www.pshe-association.org.uk/curriculum-and-resources/resources

Other sources of support for children and their families include:

Improving children’s mental health in schools – Place2Be

Young Minds Professionals https://youngminds.org.uk/youngminds-professionals/

Dedicated to self-harm recovery, insight and support https://www.selfharm.co.uk/

Beat Eating Disorders https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/do-i-have-an-eating-disorder

Mental health and behaviour in schools https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-behaviour-in-schools--2

Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk OCD UK www.ocduk.org

Depression Alliance www.depressoinalliance.org