Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Southwood Infant School we value positive mental health and wellbeing. We believe that if children have good mental health they:
- feel confident and have positive self esteem
- feel and express a range of emotions
- are resilient when things are not going so well
- build and maintain good relationships with others
- feel engaged with the world around them
- live and work productively
- adapt and manage in times of change
Supporting Children in School
At Southwood Infant School we have a kind and caring environment for pupils, and as part of our curriculum we focus on being healthy both in mind and body.
This year we are in the process of training an appointed mental health lead within our school. This person, together with the Leadership Team, will be responsible for overseeing the whole-school approach to wellbeing.
They will provide staff, children and parents with the knowledge and confidence to understand and recognise signs of poor mental health in pupils and know where to go with any concerns.
They will oversee the provision the school gives to pupils with mental health difficulties.
They will be proactive in developing links with specialist services, referring pupils if they need to. We are also part of a mental health support team trial, linked to the University of Southampton and we will have access to a mental health support team as part of this approach.
What Additional Support is Available at School?
- ELSA- Emotional Literacy Support
- Time to Talk Club
SENCO with non-class based time to support children and families.
Advice for Parents on Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health and Wellbeing
Below is a list of useful websites that may help to support your child’s mental health and wellbeing.
General Mental Wellbeing
Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity with over 25 years’ experience working with pupils, families and staff in UK schools
This website provides workshops at various times throughout the year for parents to help support their child’s wellbeing and mental health
Young Minds Parent Guide https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent
Young Mind’s Parent Helpline: 0808 802 5544
Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. There is a good section which provides advice for parents experiencing mental health problems and how they can support their children throughout this time
A variety of apps which can be downloaded onto your phone to support with a variety of wellbeing and mental health needs for children
Although predominantly for children to use, there is some excellent advice for parents about a variety of wellbeing and mental health needs
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
With over 60 years’ experience in mental health care, this website provides information and support for parents who have children experiencing depression, have been affected by a traumatic event and children struggling with separation or divorce
Support for Children Experiencing Anxiety and Depression
Information about the signs and symptoms of anxiety in children and how parents can help to support their child if they are experiencing anxiety
Information about the signs and symptoms of depression in children and how parents can help to support their child if they are experiencing symptoms of depression
Support for Families Affected by Cancer or a Life Threatening Condition
Support for children who have a parent diagnosed with cancer
We Hear You (WHY) provides a free professional counselling service for anyone affected by a diagnosis of cancer or another life threatening condition
Support for Children Affected by Bereavement
This is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Care. It is a safe place for young people to learn from each other about how to cope with grief and feel less alone
Support for Children Affected by Separation and Divorce
Gingerbread
Information to support parents and children through separation and divorce
Make it Count: Advice for Parents
This guide is for parents and carers to help children understand, protect and sustain their mental health