At Newport Infant School and Nursery, we recognise the importance of good mental health and wellbeing for our children, staff and parents. We have a designated Mental Health Lead who is also our SENCo, Eloise Harrow. Mrs Heeley was previously in this role and knows that the whole school culture needs to promote a positive mental health and wellbeing as well as supporting those experiencing mental health difficulties. This role is closely supported by Mrs Ann Cotterill, our Pastoral Lead and Mental Health First Aider.
We have many systems in place to support children’s mental health and wellbeing, either individual targeted support or whole class sessions, such as the introduction of our Wellbeing Days after a holiday. Our curriculum also promotes a healthy lifestyle, healthy bodies, emotional regulation and promotes healthy relationships. We also promote certain weeks such as ‘Children’s Mental Health Week’, which takes place this year on 5th-11th February and Mental Health Awareness week which takes place 13th-19th May.
It is our ambition to support all children and their families, so we have put some links together that may be useful to you:
NHS
Mental Health Services – NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk)
Telford and Wrekin Council
https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20570/health_conditions/3760/mental_health_help_services
Anna Freud – Mentally Healthy Schools
Mental health needs : Mentally Healthy Schools
NSPCC
Signs That a Child Is Suffering From Mental Health Issues | NSPCC
Mind
How to seek help for a mental health problem – Mind
Shropshire County Council
Mental health and wellbeing | Shropshire Council
Solihull Council Website
https://solihullapproachparenting.com/free-downloads/
You can also find out more in our Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy.
EHWB Policy for children and young people