Our mission statement at Ellel St John’s says we will be a:
‘community that builds compassionate and resilient children ready to take their place in the world.’
Children need to be supported to cope with the pressures that our society places on them day to day so we employ a wide range of strategies to promote positive mental health and well-being. These include a comprehensive Citizenship, Personal, Social and Health Education Curriculum (CPSHE), ‘Stilling Time’ for all age groups and emotional support and mentoring when needed.
Mental Health Champion
Our Mental Health Champion is Mrs Amanda Turner, the school’s Learning Mentor. She is linked to a local network of professionals who work together to raise awareness and reduce the stigma often associated with poor mental health. She has access to the network, a local resource document as well as training in the area. If you would like to speak to Mrs Turner, make an appointment at the office.
Each day, we make time for Stilling Time where we introduce our pupils to and practise ideas and activities to support their mental health and wellbeing.
6 Ways to Wellbeing
- Be Active… Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity that you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
- Keep Learning … Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident, as well as being fun to do.
- Give … Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and will create connections with the people around you.
- Connect … With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
- Take Notice … Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
- Care for The Planet … look after your community and the world. Make small changes to your life that will reduce your energy use, recycle more, leave the car at home, use low energy light bulbs, small steps to a greener life can make a difference.
Useful Links
Express Yourself Toolkit
www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk – By talking openly about mental health from a young age, children can learn to better understand their emotions, break down stigma, and feel safe enough to reach out for help when it’s needed.
Mindfulness for Kids
www.mindful.org/mindfulness-for-kids – Teaching mindfulness to kids, we equip them with tools to build self-esteem, manage stress, and skillfully approach challenges.
Children’s Mental Health Activity Pack
www.twinkl.co.uk – This resource pack is bursting with practical tools perfect for supporting young school children’s mental health.
Classroom Activities to Help Children express themselves
www.teacherboards.co.uk – Activities to help children to process their emotions.
Place2Be: Parenting Smart
www.parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk – Practical tips to support children’s wellbeing and behaviour.
