Mental Wellbeing

Our school Mental Health lead is: Emma Lindsay

Our Safeguarding Governor is:  Sarah Wingrove

If you would like information about joining the Local Governing Board (LGB) please email Sally at

 

 

Abbey Farm Educate Together Primary Academy is committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of every child.  We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and improve their mental health.

Our Learn Together curriculum, in particular our Moral and Spiritual strand focuses on supporting children both physically and emotionally to promote positive mental health and we provide a range of opportunities for children to actively support this, including taking part in outdoor activities.

As a school we actively encourage the children to express and talk about their feelings including how we can look after our bodies both physically and mentally. The children have opportunities to talk with adults who they are comfortable with in a safe, nurturing environment.  We have both a calm, quiet room and sensory space.

Mental Health and Wellbeing: Information for parents and carers of primary aged children.

We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling emotionally. You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses . There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.

The leaflet below provides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.

 

Mental health problems in children and young people

 

Local services available for children

The School – Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better. In the first instance please speak to your child’s class teacher by arranging a convenient time to meet them. They will then liaise with Emma, our Mental Health Lead for further advise and support.

Your GP – A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.

– Parents/carers can contact the Swindon Borough Council School Nurse Service for advice and support on a range of health issues.  The school comes under the 'North' service.

Websites that offer advice and/or information

The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties:

– Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544

You’re Never too Young to Talk Mental Health – leaflet for parent/carers of primary aged children

– Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations

– Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers

– Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups including pre-school and primary age

– NHS endorsed tips and advice to help children and young people and equip parents with knowledge to support them

 

Looking after your own mental health

 

Your own mental health and wellbeing is critical to your ability to support your child/children. Being a parent or carer can be difficult, especially if you are facing personal or financial challenges. It can help to talk to someone, such as a friend, family member or your GP, if you feel comfortable doing this. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help:

 

– Directory and database of groups, activities and courses in the community that can support adult wellbeing.

– Accessed through G.P or self-referral.

– 01793 432031

– Tel:  free 116 123

– Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression. 

 

Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations

 

– Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs across the area.

– links to a wide range of useful information for families including Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events.

– Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs.

– Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.