Emotional Health and Mental Wellbeing

Over the course of their education, children spend over 7,800 hours at school.  With such a huge amount of time spent in the classroom, schools provide an ideal environment for promoting good emotional wellbeing and identifying early behaviour changes and signs of mental distress. The social and emotional skills, knowledge and behaviours that young people learn in the classroom can help them to build resilience and set the pattern for how they will manage their mental health throughout their lives.  Emotional wellbeing is a clear indicator of academic achievement, success and satisfaction in later life. Evidence shows that mental health and wellbeing programmes in schools, can lead to significant improvements in children’s mental health, and social and emotional skills. Wellbeing provision in schools can also lead to reductions in classroom misbehaviour and bullying.

St Thomas’ CE Primary School actively values and supports pupils and staff on their journey to positive mental health. We aim to make a positive difference to pupils and staff mental health and wellbeing. As a school, we know that wellbeing matters. Looking after your own and your child’s mental health will have a positive impact on their wellbeing.  

This is a link to a short film about what the 5 Ways to Wellbeing mean to children, using their lives and their ideas. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF7Ou43Vj6c&fbclid=IwAR04SPi--FKjFuaLHzE8BNtbfAOiSqEMaoEUnNwub3Rep2YqsYV0WzrOsn0&app=desktop

Universal Offer

In order to promote and maintain good Social, Emotional and Mental Health we offer a number of whole school strategies including: the NHS backed 'My Happy Mind' programme, weekly PSHE lessons, Picture News, Daily Mile, free fruit and milk in EYFS and KS1, Commando Joe, a Buddy Bench, mindfulness and Happy Breathing sessions, after school clubs, and a broad and balanced curriculum.

You can find out more about our PSHE offer and My Happy Mind by following the link below.

ELSA Support (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

We have two fully qualified ELSAs, Mrs Grattidge and Mrs Bint-Anwar, working with children in school from all different year groups.

What is ELSA?

An ELSA is a specialist teaching assistant with a wealth of experience of working with children. ELSAs are trained and regularly supervised by the Educational Psychologists in your Local education authority. An ELSA is a warm and caring person who wants to help your child feel happy in school and to reach their potential educationally.  Their aim is to remove the barriers to learning and to have happy children in school and at home.

An ELSA can help with: Loss and bereavement, Self-esteem, Social skills, Emotions, Friendship issues, Relationships, Anger management, Behaviour, Anxiety, Bullying, Conflict, Relaxation techniques

See the attached parent leaflet for more information

Trauma Informed Practitioner 

We have two fully qualified Trauma Informed Practitioners in school. They are Nikki Denham-Marsh and Julie Loader 

What is a Trauma Informed Practitioner? 

A Trauma Informed Practitioner provides the knowledge and skills to deliver effective interventions to children for mild to moderate mental health problems, focusing on recovery. We create and provide a safe and supportive environment for children who have experienced trauma. 

Key Principles:

- Safety: Ensure students feel safe and supported.
- Trust: Build trust through consistency, transparency, and empathy.
- Collaboration: Work with students, families, and staff to create a supportive network.
- Empowerment: Encourage students to take control and make choices.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences and how they impact trauma responses.

Strategies:

- Emotional Regulation: Teach students to manage emotions and develop self-awareness.
- Restorative Practices: Focus on repairing harm and building relationships.
- Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness activities to reduce stress and increase calm.
- Flexible Seating: Offer flexible seating options to help students feel comfortable and secure.
- Visual Supports: Use visual aids to help students understand and navigate the environment.
 

Oldham Council Support and Resources

The Oldham whole school and college approach to emotional health and mental wellbeing aims to promote social, emotional and mental wellbeing.

The framework offers practical guidance to schools and colleges to develop knowledge and skills to promote mental health and wellbeing and prevent minor problems from escalating into more serious long-term issues.

The document contains key actions that head teachers and college principles can take to embed the whole school approach to emotional health and mental wellbeing.

The framework offers practical guidance to schools and colleges to develop knowledge and skills to promote mental health and wellbeing and prevent minor problems from escalating into more serious long-term issues.

The document contains key actions that head teachers and college principles can take to embed the whole school approach to emotional health and mental wellbeing.

The actions are based on the eight principles.

These are:

• The school ethos and environment
• Curriculum, teaching and learning
• Student voice
• Staff development, health and wellbeing
• Identifying need and monitoring impact
• Working with parents / carers
• Targeted support

External Wellbeing Resources

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•  Early Help is for individuals, households and families that need support to stop issues getting worse or reaching crisis point. Oldham Early Help
•  Young Minds - The Youth Wellbeing Directory provides you with a list of free local and national organisations for anyone up to the age of 25, along with important information you may find helpful.
• https://youngminds.org.uk/
• MIND - We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.
• https://www.mind.org.uk/
• TOG MIND At Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind we offer counselling to all residents of Tameside and Glossop aged 16 or over.
• https://www.togmind.org/
•  Anna Freud Talking Mental Health Tools - An understanding of what mental health is and the difference between every day small feelings and a big feeling. 
• https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/youth-wellbeing/find-a-service-near-you/