What is Mental Health?

“Mental health is a state of well-being in which everyone realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal

stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her of his community.”

(World Health Organization 2014)

Mrs Lynam is our school Mental Health First Aider

Did you know…?

There is an average 10 year delay between young people displaying first symptoms and getting help

(Centre for Mental Health, 2021)

One in six school-aged children has a mental health problem. This is an alarming rise from one in ten in 2004 and

one in nine in 2017 ( NHS Digital, 2020)

Further facts about mental health in children and young people can be found at:

https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-02/CYP%20mental%20health%20fact%20sheet%202021.pdf

At Loscoe (C of E) Primary school and Nursery, we are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff to ensure that that the school is a community where everyone feels able to thrive. Healthy minds and bodies are essential if children are able to learn, form positive relationships and lead fulfilling lives.

As a school, we recognise that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us more vulnerable and at times,

anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everyone’s business and we all have a role to play.

Supporting Mental Health in Our School

Our role in school is to ensure that children are able to manage times of change and stress and that they can access help when they need it. We aim to teach children:

• when to seek help;
• what help is available ;
• the likely outcomes of seeking support.

We also understand that part of our role, as educators, is to be aware of early signs that may indicate a member of our school community needs help with their mental health or wellbeing.

How we teach about Mental Health at Loscoe (C of E) Primary School

Mental health and wellbeing is taught as part of our comprehensive PSHE education curriculum. We aim to promote pupils’ wellbeing through an understanding of their own and others’ emotions and the development of healthy coping strategies.

Levels of Support

• Universal Support – all pupils needs are met through our overall ethos, school values, our PSHE and wider curriculum.
• Early additional support – for those who may have short term needs or may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as separation or bereavement. Support may include use of specific interventions such as Positive Play, Derbyshire Behaviour Box or time spent with a trusted adult discussing issues and feelings in a non-intrusive way, for example through the use of therapeutic stories.
• Targeted Support – where children’s needs are complex or beyond the scope and expertise of the teaching staff, further advice may be needed. At this stage, referrals will be made to wider professionals, for example: CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service).

Useful Links

https://derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk/parent-carer (contains many links to useful support available in Derby and Derbyshire)

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ (useful resources for both parents and children, including a link to a helpline)

https://www.annafreud.org/about-us/ (mental health charity)

https://firststepsed.co.uk/other-services/ (support if you are worried about your child's eating)