Mental Health and Wellbeing
Contact
Kate Rigby is the Designated Mental Health Lead at Winslow Church of England School and can be contacted via the School Office 01296 712296 or by email krigby@winslow.bucks.sch.uk
Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (World Health Organization 2014)
Mental illness is often invisible, but that doesn’t mean it should be hidden. Statistics show that most people suffer from poor mental health at some point in their lives and at Winslow Church of England School we aim to support the emotional wellbeing of all of our children, their families and our staff.
Winslow Church of England School’s ethos and staff actively promote emotional wellbeing; we recognise that happier pupils are more successful learners and responsible individuals. We also recognise the responsibility that education has in the development and enhancement of emotional wellbeing.
Our Aim
- For Wellbeing to be at the heart of everything we do and where positive mental health is promoted and valued
- To create an environment where our children feel able to talk openly about their problems with trusted adults, without feeling any stigma
- To ensure that children are able to manage times of change and stress and to support children to be able to recognise their emotions and to offer them a range of strategies for self-regulation
Supporting Children
A holistic approach where the school environment supports wellbeing:
- Zones of Regulation is used across the school to help children to recognise and self-regulate their emotions (see attachment below)
- Nurture Nooks in classrooms, a Nurture room for wellbeing interventions, a Sensory Garden.
- Opportunities for children to talk about their experiences and feelings
A dedicated Mental Health Team who offer a range of targeted support to vulnerable pupils.
Working with Parents and Carers
Our School’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Team are always on hand to support families. We operate an ‘open door’ policy and there is always someone available to talk and offer the help that is needed, whether that be from school staff or by helping parents to access the appropriate professional organisation, such as the Buckinghamshire Mental Health Team or Young Carers.
Please download our Winslow Church of England School MHWB Policy for further information.