Mental Health & Wellbeing

At West End Primary 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.

It is a primary aim that every member of the school community feels valued and respected, and that each person is treated fairly and well. We are a caring community, whose values are built on mutual trust and respect for all, where each individual and contribution is valued.

It is widely recognised that a child’s emotional health and wellbeing influences their cognitive development and learning, as well as their physical and social health and their mental wellbeing in adulthood. 

 

Children who are mentally healthy have been defined as able to:

• Develop psychologically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually

• Initiate, develop and sustain mutually satisfying personal relationships

• Use and enjoy solitude

 • Become aware of others and empathise with them, play and learn

• Develop a sense of right and wrong

• Resolve / face problems and setbacks and learn from them.

 

 Just as we look after our physical health, it’s important to look after our mental health. Self-care is all about what you can do to help yourself feel better or to keep yourself feeling good. It’s a way that we can look after our own mental health and wellbeing. It can help your body and mind to relax, drift away, or be more energised. There are lots of different ways you can try self-care: dancing, spending time with friends, playing sports, laughing, drawing, spending time with pets - anything that makes you feel good! 

                                                                                                                                                               
At our school 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                                                                                                           
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Everyone deserves to feel good and there are steps you or your child can take to maintain and improve your Mental Wellbeing:

  • Build positive relationships.
  • Take time for yourself.
  • Look after your mental health.
  • Look after your physical health.

What you can do in school to help your wellbeing?

  • Be open and talk about your feelings with your friends.
  • Join in with positive people.
  • Speak to a member of staff.
  • Get physically active (a Health body and mind are closely linked).
  • Make a Self Care Plan.
Below are some links to sites which have resources, ideas and further support to promote positive mental health and well being.
 
Government Education Hub