Mental Health Champions
In this week’s Headmasters assembly we launched our team of Mental Health Champions to the children.
What are Mental Health Champions?
They are a team of teachers who have undergone additional training in Mental Health First Aid and who are keen to be there for the children when they are struggling with an aspect of life.
Who are they?
The team is made up of:
- Mr Maranzana – Y4 teacher
Ms Doughty – Forest School teacher
Mr Wallis – Y5 form teacher, PE and Games teacher
Mrs Massey – Y4 teacher
Mr Kay – Assistant Head (Digital Development)
Mrs Wright, Deputy Head (Pastoral) is the School’s Senior Mental Health Lead.
What will they do?
Their support could range from having an initial conversation about the issue and exploring different tools for healthy minds through to following up with form teachers; support staff and parents.
Supporting your child’s mental health
Parents and carers play a pivotal role in teaching children how to understand and manage their feelings as they grow up.
What you can do at home
- Find time to talk, just the two of you – ‘Check in’ with them while you’re doing things together so they get used to talking about their feelings.
- Play together – play helps them to be curious, learn new things, solve problems and express their feelings.
- Be a role model – show how you cope with difficult feelings. Look after yourself!
- If you need someone to talk to, reach out to your child’s form teacher or any member of the pastoral team.
Why not come to our new Tea, Toast and Talk sessions that start on Tuesday 30th April?
Buddy Benches
This year we are implementing a number of strategies to help our children manage their emotional well-being.
One of these strategies has been to introduce a “Buddy Bench” into our playgrounds in the Junior, Middle and Senior Departments. This is for children who need someone to help them, play with them or find a friend to play with. Our older pupils have been briefed and will be on the lookout for children who are at the buddy bench and need someone to play with. We have been talking to children about this in assembly and making sure it is more than just another piece of furniture. We are also looking for pupil suggestions on where the bench for the older children should be positioned.
Why not have a look at the BBC news article below about how these benches are being used in schools.
How ‘Buddy Benches’ are making playtime less lonely – BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-45958313
