Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy
Christian values
The specific Christian Values of Love, Respect and Courage underpin, and are intrinsic to the ethos and belief of Saint James Church of England Primary School.
Our vision
At Saint James we accept challenges, take risks and work to make to make positive change in ourselves and our community.
Focusing on building resilience and compassionate relationships allows everyone to flourish.
Using our Christian values to guide us, we develop skills to navigate rough seas and transform our world.
Be strong and courageous and do it.
1 Chronicles 28:20
Introduction
Saint James Church of England Primary school is committed to providing a coherent and consistent approach to the mental health and wellbeing needs of all its stakeholders. As a school, our values of Love, Respect and Courage are intrinsic to our ethos, therefore we encourage open communication between parents, pupils and staff on this sensitive and emotive subject.
What is mental health?
Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual 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 his or her community (World Health Organisation, 2014).
A child with stable mental health generally has the ability to progress within society both emotionally and socially. They are able to form relationships, manage their mood and make rational, informed decisions.
Poor mental health can affect the way you think, feel and behave. Some mental health diagnoses are described using words that are in everyday use, for example 'depression' or 'anxiety'. This can make them seem easier to understand but can also mean people underestimate how serious they can be (Mind 2013).
One in ten children and young people aged 5-16 suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder (Young Minds 2017). Poor mental health can also result from trauma and crisis affecting, children, parents and staff such as bereavement, terminal illness, sudden illness and life changing events.
Aims of our school
At Saint James’ Church of England Primary School we believe all pupils have the right to be educated in, and all adults have the right to work in, an environment that supports and promotes positive emotional health and wellbeing.
At our school we strive to have a consistent approach which means that the school environment and Christian values all promote the positive emotional health and wellbeing of the whole school community.
We aim to provide a positive emotionally healthy school through:
- a clear and agreed ethos and culture that accords value and respect to all, underpinned by our school values of Love, Respect and Courage
- a commitment to being responsive to the needs of our school community
- clearly defined links with other relevant school policies
- clear guidance for referral procedures
- links with external agencies to provide access to support and information
- a named lead for positive emotional health and wellbeing
We aim to provide a positive emotionally healthy environment where children:
- have opportunities to participate in activities that encourage belonging
- have opportunities to recognise and celebrate their differences
- have opportunities to participate in decision-making
- have opportunities to celebrate academic and non-academic achievements
- have their unique talents and abilities identified and developed
- have opportunities to develop a sense of worth through taking responsibility for themselves and others
- have opportunities to reflect and use strategies such as Growth Mindsets and other emotional toolbox techniques
- have access to appropriate support that meets their needs
- have a right to be in an environment that is safe, clean, attractive and well cared for
- are surrounded by adults who model positive and appropriate behaviours and interactions at all times
We aim to provide a positive emotionally healthy environment where staff:
- have their individual needs recognised and responded to in a holistic way
- have a range of strategies that support their positive emotional health and wellbeing e.g. a named person to speak to (in confidence) which can be a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) or the Head Teacher.
- have recognition of their work-life balance which may include a flexible approach for those members of staff experiencing difficulties affecting their wellbeing
- feel valued and have opportunities to contribute to decision-making processes
- celebrate and recognise success
- are able to carry out roles and responsibilities effectively and feel confident to raise any concerns
- are provided with opportunities for Continued Professional Development and have time to reflect
- can use proactive strategies and access support at times of emotional need
We aim to provide a positive, emotionally healthy environment where parents/carers:
- are respected and valued
- are welcomed, included and work in partnership with our school and other agencies
- are provided with opportunities where they can ask for help when needed
- are signposted to appropriate agencies for support
- are clear about their roles, expectations and responsibilities in working in partnership with the school
- opinions are sought and valued
We aim to ensure that our school is a place where the whole school community:
- is involved and valued for the role it plays in promoting positive emotional health and wellbeing and mutual support
- upholds the ethos and values of the school
Purpose
At Saint James’ Church of England Primary School we want our pupils to:
- be motivated, enjoy and take pride in their learning
- develop a range of skills to equip them for a successful life
- be confident, courageous and independent
- be responsible, caring and polite citizens
- experience success every day but have the resilience to cope with challenges
In a school that:
- nurtures individual talents and abilities in every child
- celebrates success and achievement in all its forms
- has high expectations for itself, its staff and pupils
- is continually striving to improve
Targets
The school aims to:
- increase the level of awareness and understanding amongst the school community of mental health and wellbeing.
- identify and respond to mental health and wellbeing concerns
- provide a supportive and caring environment for staff
- support pupils with mental health and wellbeing concerns in partnership with outside agencies where appropriate
Whilst Saint James Church of England Primary School is committed to providing a supportive environment, it is important to recognise that it is not a mental health facility and there are, of necessity, limits to the extent of support that can be provided. It is not the responsibility of the school to replicate services that already exist in the community and NHS.
Policy
This policy and guidance should be followed with close reference to the following policies: Confidentiality; Child Protection; Absence and Attendance; Equalities; Health and Safety; Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE); Behaviour; Anti bullying; Zero Tolerance of Threatening, Abusive and Intimidating Behaviour; and Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Supporting pupils with mental health and wellbeing concerns
Saint James Church of England Primary School offers a range of services, and sign-posting towards other agencies, to support pupils with mental health and wellbeing concerns.
In school support includes:
- Support within the classroom
- Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)
- Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
- Family Support Worker (FSW)
- School Chaplain
- Local Authority Educational Psychologist (LAEP)
Outside agencies that can support pupils includes:
- GP Services
- Child and Adult Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
- Primary Behaviour Support
- Counselling
- School Nursing Service
- Other appropriate support networks (e.g. Simon Says, Winston’s Wish, Young Carers)
Supporting staff who are working with pupils with mental health and wellbeing issues
Saint James’ Church of England Primary School acknowledges that staff, who are working closely with distressed pupils exhibiting mental health and wellbeing concerns, can themselves be placed under emotional strain. Support will be provided to all staff who request it.
Our school will provide guidance for staff in dealing with pupils with mental health and wellbeing problems. We will also provide support and care for staff who are experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges.
To support pupils with mental health and well-being issues, we have personnel designated to the role of; Designated Safeguarding Leader, Pupil Premium Champion, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) Leader, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENco), Designated Teacher for Looked after Children, Emotional Literacy Support Assistant and Family Support Worker.
Although the personnel in these roles may periodically change, the roles will remain consistent.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The monitoring and evaluation of this policy will be carried out by the Head Teacher, members of the SLT and governors.
This Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy will be reviewed regularly as part of the policy review schedule.