Haydonleigh Primary School
Children's Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Just as people's bodies can become unwell, people's minds can become unwell too. Mental health problems are more common than you think - three children in every classroom may have a mental health problem.
At Haydonleigh, we always aim not just to educate your children but also to care for and nurture them.
Having a positive Mental Health is the ability to face life challenges with confidence, to manage them effectively, be responsive to the emotions of one’s self and others and learn from these experiences. We promote positive mental health to create an environment that supports the development and maintenance of mental health by helping children to feel good about themselves, to enjoy relationships, to learn confidently and to see their difficulties within a range of life experiences.
School staff have received training to support the emotional well-being of children such as attachment awareness.
The Duchess of Cambridge talks about Children's Mental Health
Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy (under review)
Mental health difficulties can be extremely hard to talk about but there is a lot of support available.
All our children should feel able to talk freely and openly to any member of staff if they have any worries or problems of any kind on a work or personal level. Staff always responds to children in an appropriate manner, offering advice, support, guidance and reassurance in conjunction with our other policies, including our Safeguarding Policy.
Be U Swindon
We are lucky enough to have Be U Swindon, a Mental Health service in Swindon, who support our children and families at Haydonleigh. They offer support to children and families in a range of ways, including parent workshops so keep an eye out in our newsletters about up and coming workshops.
Anxiety
Children can feel anxious about different things at different ages. Many of these worries are a normal part of growing up such as separation anxiety to phobias. These fears usually go away gradually on their own. Anxiety becomes a problem for children when it starts to get in the way of their everyday life. The following videos give more information on what anxiety is and how to support them at home.
What is Anxiety- https://youtu.be/M_ShkOOEgAc
Strategies to support anxiety at home- https://youtu.be/Obdg62KdanA
Sleep
Lots of young children find it difficult to settle down to sleep and will wake up during the night.
For some people, this might not be a problem. But if you or your child are suffering from a lack of sleep, there are some simple techniques you can try.
Every child is different, so only do what you feel comfortable with and what you think will suit your child
The video below explains the importance of the right amount of sleep and sleep hygiene.
Sleep Hygiene- https://youtu.be/ogzfT6UakMs
For more information from the Sleep Charity, please read the following link about 'Relaxation at Bedtime'.
Parents and carers can get help and advice about children's mental health from Young Minds' free parent helpline on 0808 802 5544, from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
If you are worried about your child's mental health you can talk about this in confidence with your child's class teacher. We can make a referral to Swindon BeU, who can offer support for children and families with specific Mental Health and can offer low level CBT. Alternatively, you can contact your GP who can make a referral to the Community CAHMS Consultation Service.
Children's mental health - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
More support can be found on our Family Service Support page
