We have created a template with cutout marks and space for the children to write their message, affirmation, poem or quote inspiring kindness, compassion and friendship and place it into a book in the school library for someone to find to brighten their day.
A mentally healthy school is one that adopts a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing and should involve a targeted element making sure that teachers and other staff can recognise pupils with emerging mental health needs and provide early support.
Children’s Mental Health Week coincides with the shocking NHS referrals data analysed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists for the BBC that saw a 77% rise in the number of children needing specialist treatment for severe mental health crisis.¹
As we shine a spotlight on Children’s Mental Health Week we highlight our activity ‘nature gardens’ from our ‘Amazing me’ programme great to do with your children in celebration of the theme of 'Growing Together'. Download this activity.
Bedales comprises three coeducational independent schools located within a 120-acre estate on the South Downs of Hampshire. “Hamish & Milo is magical. For me as a teacher, it has changed my style. It is allowing me to empower the children and allow them to grow through the conversations and sharing of experiences through the sessions. It is becoming our emotions curriculum.”
The therapeutic benefits of sock puppets to help children express what is troubling them when they are not able to find the words to express their feelings.
Hazlehurst Community Primary School is a one form entry primary school where there is a focus on wellbeing and enabling children to reach their potential and thrive. "It is our primary go-to resource now for all our SEMH and wellbeing intervention." Diane French, SENCO.
Current research presents a stark landscape across the country in light of the pandemic and the impact on mental ill-heath. Children are at disadvantage because of where they live. Equality in outcome and provision is disproportionate and dramatically underfunded.
Ofsted has said it’s following public health guidance but will be ‘carefully’ considering requests from schools to defer inspections. But Tes reports¹ that one in three requests from schools to defer inspections has been turned down. How can we ‘carry on as usual?’ and shouldn’t the focus be on support and a focus on emotional wellbeing and care so that stress is alleviated, minimised and reduced?
How has it crept up on us, deemed acceptable and in fact policy, that we have moved to a way of telling children they are ‘working towards’ or need ‘catch up’ or are ‘working below expectation.’ There are “alarming rates of stress and anxiety” in our high-performing students, as well as the impact on children who are forever being told they are not ‘good enough.’
Proud to be working with the prestigious Department of Psychology, University of Bath in a research project to explore and exemplify impact on children’s wellbeing.
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