Mental Health and Wellbeing
At St. James’ CEC Primary School we strongly believe in putting the whole child first. We understand the importance of children feeling safe and happy. We have placed a strong emphasis on Wellbeing and Mental Health, training our own staff to ensure we are equipped to deal with issues that arise or can help children and families with outside support where needed.
We believe that good mental health is achieved when the whole school community works together, knowing that we all have a role to play. We aim to promote positive Mental Health and Wellbeing for our whole school community (children, staff, parents and carers) linking to Article 42 (UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) “every child has the right to the best possible health”.
We recognise how important mental health and emotional wellbeing is to our lives in just the same way as physical health. It is fundamental to our Christian ethos of good friendship, respect of ourselves and each other and achieving excellence. We work together as a school community, staff, pupils and parents in an inclusive, supportive, success minded and challenging environment to maximise opportunities and achievements for all.
Over the course of their education, children spend over 7,800 hours at school. With such a huge amount of time spent in the classroom, schools provide an ideal environment for promoting good emotional well-being and identifying early behaviour change and signs of mental distress. At St. James’ we believe that social and emotional skills, knowledge and behaviours that young people learn in the classroom can help them build resilience and set the pattern for how they will manage their mental health through their lives.
Since 2014 Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) has become a category of Special Educational Needs. Children with SEMH need will receive support in school. We work closely with outside agencies including Child and Adolescents Mental Health Service (CAMHS), the Educational Psychology team and Behaviour support to ensure the best outcomes for our children. Improved mental health starts with a conversation. Achieving that first step- mustering the courage to share something so deeply personal and troubling needs support, understanding and encouragement. This is especially true for children and young people.
If you have any concerns about a child’s mental health or wellbeing we are here to help and if we can’t, we will signpost you to those who can. At St. James’ we offer the following strategies to support children:
- A PSHE curriculum that is designed to support children’s understanding of their emotions.
- A new purpose built room called the Lighthouse where children can access support in a place that is calm and nurturing.
- Consultations with external agencies so that parents are included in knowing how to support your child’s ongoing needs.
- Support within school from The Inclusion Manager and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant).
We encourage children to talk about any issues that are worrying them, and train our staff to be mindful of children's emotional and mental well being. Any concerns are passed to our Inclusion Manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead as appropriate to ensure children are properly supported in school.
If you think you may need help in any way please contact us on adminoffice@st.james.hants.sch.uk
Miss J. Pearce-Haydon (Designated Safeguarding Lead – DSL) Headteacher
Mr. N. Hall (Deputy DSL) Deputy Head.
Mrs. N. Giles (Deputy DSL) Inclusion Manager, Mental Health Lead
Mrs S. Love - PSHE Lead
Miss R. Hay - ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
Mrs. M. Wingfield - Safeguarding Governor
Helpful resources:
Resources that support mental health and wellbeing
