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:

• help children to understand their emotions and feelings better                             
• help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
• help children socially to form and maintain relationships
• promote self esteem and ensure children know that they count
• encourage children to be confident and ‘dare to be different’
• help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks 

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.

Tips for Parents/Carers:

Worries vs problems 

Worry Detectives

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.