Mental Health & Wellbeing
At St James CE Primary School, we aim to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for our whole school community (children, staff, parents and carers), and recognise how important mental health and emotional wellbeing is to our lives in just the same way as physical health. We recognise that children’s mental health is a crucial factor in their overall wellbeing and can affect their learning and achievement.
We aim to promote positive mental health for every child, parent, carer and staff using whole school approaches and specialised, targeted approaches aimed at identified vulnerable pupils and families.
The Department for Education (DfE) recognises that:
“in order to help their children succeed; schools have a role to play in supporting them to be resilient and mentally healthy”.Schools can be a place for children and young people to experience a nurturing and supportive environment that has the potential to develop self-esteem and give positive experiences for overcoming adversity and building resilience. We believe that our school offers positive role models and relationships which are critical in promoting children’s wellbeing and can help engender a sense of belonging and community."
Our aim is to help develop the protective factors which build resilience to mental health problems and to be a school where:
- All children are valued.
- All families are valued.
- All staff members and Governors are valued.
- Children have a sense of belonging and feel safe.
- Children feel able to talk openly with trusted adults about their problems
- Positive mental health is promoted and valued.
- Bullying is not tolerated.
In addition to children’s wellbeing, we recognise the importance of promoting staff mental health and wellbeing.
Meet our School Therapy Dog
Hello! My name is Maddie and I live with Mrs Roberts. I am a show cocker spaniel and I am nearly 2 years old. I really love to play with my tug-toy and also my ball. When I grow up, I would like to be a cricket player because I am really good at catching my ball on the field! At the weekends, I go to dog training with Mrs Roberts because I really want to get my Gold Good Citizen Award. After a long day at school, I love to lie down and have my tummy tickled. I really don't like my tail being touched or getting in cold water, but I love it when Mrs Roberts washes my paws in warm water! Come and say hello to me when you see me in school!
Having Maddie in school is really helpful to lots of children. She helps teach interpersonal skills and develops empathy in children. Being around animals like Maddie helps children to calm, self-soothe and regulate, meaning their mental health improves and learning can take place.
General Information and Support:-
Mental Health and Behaviour in School
Prevention of Suicdal Thoughts