At Freemantle C of E Community Academy, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play.
At Freemantle we:
Children’s mental health and well-being, as you may have come across in the news quite frequently recently, is being reported on more and more. With a range of issues surrounding social media, self-esteem, social mobility and diet, among many others, it is clear that there is a nationwide concern emerging around children’s mental health.
We all have Mental Health - Anna Freud video clip
What’s also apparent is that this issue is not specific to any particular age group, with children in primary schools, secondary schools and further education being recognised. It is fair to say that there is no ‘magic fix’ to this, but at Freemantle C of E Community Academy we are always trying to think of new ways to support children’s mental health and the worries they may have. Positive wellbeing is promoted through the curriculum and all school activities. Through a carefully planned approach to PSHE and RSHE our pupils are helped to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives, and to become resilient, informed and responsible citizens.
In addition, whole academy approaches such as assemblies and circle time sessions are used to further develop the pupils’ knowledge of strategies. Whole academy events are held including Children's Mental Health Week and Anti-bullying Week each week. During these events, the focus is on mindfulness and resilience with the purpose of teaching children strategies for dealing with anxiety and copying with changes.
At any point across their Freemantle Academy life, some children may need a little additional support with their mental health and wellbeing. If this happens then we have several means of support available. Mrs Martin is our Senior Mental Health Lead and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant.) Mrs Martin can provide ELSA sessions either 1:1 or in small groups to suit the needs of the child. To find out more about what can be provided in ELSA sessions, please visit our ELSA page! As well as this Mrs Martin can sign post to further support and guidance if it cannot be provided within our school setting. One possible avenue of support could be the Mental Health in Schools Team, who are NHS based and can take referrals to support parents with things such as anxiety, challenging behaviour, exam stress and much more.
As well as adult provided support in school, we have Freemantle Mental Health Champions. The Mental Health Champions have been trained in how to support their peers and promote mental health awareness across the Academy. Mental Health Champions work closely with the Haven Team and easily identifiable by their yellow jumpers.
Tips for Parents/Carers:
4 ways to support a child with anxiety
BBC Primary Mental Health Films
Coping with stress - a video for children
The Expert Parents Guide to Childhood Anxiety
Children's Mental and Emotional Wellbeing 0-25
Useful links:
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
A public health England and NHS site to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others.
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/
Quality-assured information, advice and resources to help primary schools understand and promote children’s mental health and wellbeing.