Eastrop Infant School

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

 

 At Eastrop we recognise the importance of good mental health and wellbeing. Happy, children who feel safe and secure are children who are ready and able to learn.

 We work closely with families and external agencies to provide children and families with the support they need to become resilient, and equipped with self-help strategies.

Our staff receive regular training regarding mental health, wellbeing,  trauma and adverse experiences so that they are fully informed and able to support children.

 

Information for Parents and Carers 

Eastrop Infant School take the emotional health and wellbeing of every child seriously.  We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and support them to be mentally healthy.  Our mental health and wellbeing policy sets out how we do this. Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy

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   We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.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: Mental health problems in children and young people: guidance for parents and carers provides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.   

 

 

Zones of Regulation

At Eastrop and Southfield we have been using The Zones of Regulation in small groups and have now introduced to the whole school.

Created by Leah Kuypers, Zones of regulation is a curriculum used to support young people in understanding and expressing their emotions, promoting self-regulation.

We have introduced the zones in classes and in assemblies and the main message to all children to start with is it's okay to feel any of these emotions.
It's how we react when we are experiencing these strong feelings that matters! 

 

Local services for children & young people

  • The School

Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better.   

  • 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.

Websites that offer information and advice

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

Young Minds: - Help for Parents

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

Taking Mental Health with Young People at Secondary School:

Advice for parents and carers of primary aged young people

Self-Care – Top Tips for Young Parents and Carers

Advice for taking care of your own and child’s wellbeing

Childline

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

Minded for Families  

Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers 

Happy Maps  

Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups i.e under 5’s primary age, secondary age, young adults

Charlie Waller Trust

Leaflets on a range of topics to support your family’s mental health 

Shout  

24/7 text messaging help service for parents 

Child in Mind

Expert led podcasts to help you understand and support mental health issues

There are lots of fantastic book suggestions on the website BooksforTopics: Mental Health if you would like recommendations. You might be able to find them in your local library too. 

Looking after your own mental health

In order to support your child, you need to stay strong and well yourself. It isn’t easy being a parent or carer especially when you are experiencing problems of your own such as relationship difficulties, money worries, problems with work.  Often it helps to talk to someone, so don’t be scared about doing this, with friends, family, your GP or a support service.  The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help you.

 

Samaritans. Tel:  free confidential listening service 116 123

NHS Choices: moodzone.  Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing 

CALM Campaign against living miserably

Information and help around mental health particularly focusing on men

 

Swindon Mental Health Award

Eastrop and Southfield have both recently been awarded the Swindon Mental Health Award to add to our national award, Wellbeing Award for Schools. Both awards recognise our ongoing, outstanding work towards developing the support of mental health. 

 Below are some links to key Mental Health and Wellbeing organisations offering professional and confidential help if you do not wish to talk to someone in school;