St John The Baptist Church of England Primary School
Loving Learning, Building Community, Growing in Faith
Welcome
Mental Health
At St. John the Baptist C of E Primary School, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our school community (children, staff, parents, carers and other members of our school community). We recognise how important mental health and wellbeing is in our lives, and that it is equally as important as physical health. Mental health is a critical part of a child’s wellbeing, and we recognise that poor mental health can adversely affect a child’s learning and progress. Our whole school values are at the root of all we do in school, and we use these positively to promote good mental health and wellbeing for all of our community. In addition to promoting positive mental health, we aim to recognise and
respond to mental ill health.
By making our school mentally healthy, we strive to ensure a nurturing, welcoming and supportive environment, where all children can build on their potential, no matter their life experiences. By developing and implementing practical, relevant and effective mental health policies and procedures we can promote a safe and stable environment for our pupils: those who are affected both directly, and indirectly by mental ill health. We aim to provide a safe, healthy and fun place for all our community to be. We want to ensure we help the children deal with their own mental health, support others who may be suffering from poor mental health, and understand what they can do in order to have a positive mind-set.
Defining Mental Health
Mental Health is “the emotional and spiritual resilience which enables us to enjoy life and survive pain, suffering and disappointment. It is a positive sense of wellbeing and an underlying belief in our and others dignity and worth. It is influenced by our experience and our genetic inheritance.” (World Health Organisation)
Mental health affects all aspects of life and behaviour.
Mental Health and Wellbeing promotes school success and improvements by:
Promoting positive mental and emotional wellbeing by providing information and support.
Creating a shared understanding of all aspects of mental health
Enabling those with mental health related issues to self-disclose and seek support in a safe confidential manner.
Offering guidance and strategies to support pupils and staff to be mentally healthy
Creating a culture to support and maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.
If you have any concerns, worries or questions about your child's mental health or wellbeing, please speak your child's class teacher in the first instance or ask to speak to Mrs. Heer-Smith, the Inclusion Manager. You can get in touch by ringing the office on 0116 2709932, or email Mrs Heer-Smith on the following email: theer-smith@st-john.leicester.sch.uk
Please follow this link to find Leicester City's Mental Health Service Directory which hosts a range of information and advice around physical and mental health, including details of local services and organisations to support you and your child.
https://www.leicestercityccg.nhs.uk/my-health/childrens-health/mental-wellbeing/
More Self Care tips and ideas for parents: https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/self-care-for-parents-and-carers/
HappyMaps is a charity developed by GPs and CAMHS professionals with help from parents and young people. We've pooled what we think are some of the best mental health resources for parents and carers, and for young people and children in one place. https://happymaps.co.uk
The following website can also provide lots of support and advice for parents and carers to support mental health and well-being:
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/well-being
Try these positive Mental Health habits at home to support positive mental health:
