Mental Health and Wellbeing at High Legh Primary
When it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils at High Legh, we take a whole school approach and understand that the wellbeing of our pupils is paramount.
Within our small High Legh family, both pupils and staff look out for each other. We pride ourselves on building relationships with our pupils, so we can recognise and question if someone seems not to be okay or struggling. We then have things in place to offer our pupils support and an outlet to work through issues surrounding their mental health and wellbeing.
Wellbeing in School
There are a number of ways in which we support those with wellbeing and instil a culture of support for our pupils, such as:
- lunch time clubs to offer children an alternative to the playground if they would like some quiet time, such as quiet reading and mindful colouring.
- clubs with a member of staff, offering children support with feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger.
- Friday dance on the playground, where staff and pupils enjoy music on the playground during lunchtime.
Resources
If you would like some extra support or are interested in learning more about children's mental health and wellbeing, please have a look at the websites below. All of them offer advice and resources to support you at home.
Tips to help support children and young people
- Be there to listen
Regularly ask how they’re doing so they get used to talking about their feelings and know there’s always someone to listen if they want it. Find out how to create a space where they will open up.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-mental-health/ - Support them through difficulties
Pay attention to their emotions and behaviour, and try to help them work through difficulties. It’s not always easy when faced with challenging behaviour, but try to help them understand what they’re feeling and why.
https://maudsleycharity.org/familiesunderpressure/ - Stay involved in their lives
Show interest in their life and the things important to them. It not only helps them value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them. - Encourage their interests
Being active or creative, learning new things and being a part of a team help connect us with others and are important ways we can all help our mental health. Support and encourage them to explore their interests, whatever they are. - Take what they say seriously
Listening to and valuing what they say, without judging their feelings, in turn makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them process and work through their emotions in a more constructive way.
https://www.annafreud.org/resources/schools-and-colleges/seven-ways-to-support-children-and-young-people-who-are-worried/ - Build positive routines
We know it still may not be easy, but try to reintroduce structure around regular routines, healthy eating and exercise. A good night’s sleep is also really important – try to get them into routines that fit with school.
https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/information-support/children/relaxation-tips/
