Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental Health Champions

One of our pupil groups are 'Mental Health Champions'. These champions are a group of 11 pupils in Years 3-6 who are committed to supporting the wellbeing of others in the school. These pupils have chosen this role because they truly care about the mental health of their peers. They are available to support others during playtimes and lunchtimes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Mental Health is "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, 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".

We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Being mentally healthy means that we feel good about ourselves, make and keep positive relationships with others and can feel and manage the full range of emotions. These can range from happiness, excitement and curiosity through to less comfortable feelings such as anger, fear or sadness. Good mental health allows us to cope with life’s ups and downs, to feel in control of our lives and to ask for help from others when we need support.

Mental health problems affect around one in six children. It is therefore vital that as a school and parent partnership, we do our very best to promote positive mental health and provide early intervention for children who are displaying signs of mental health needs.

How do we promote positive mental health and wellbeing at Trotts Hill School?

At Trotts Hill Primary School we promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the following ways:

The teaching of mental health as part of the statutory Health Education within PSHE lessons
Promotion of physical health through P.E, active playtimes and lunch times and sports clubs
Teaching mindfulness through yoga in a range of year groups
Wellbeing clubs such as yoga
Taking part in 'Hello Yellow Day' every year in support of the Young Minds charity and World Mental Health Day
Promoting 'Feeling Good' week every February in support of raising awareness of Mental Health in young people across Hertfordshire
Delivery of 'Brain Buddies' and 'Emotion Explorers' programme across some classes to teach children emotional regulation skills
Delivery of NSPCC materials to teach children to stay safe and speak to trusted adults
Promoting and training our Mental Health Champions to support their peers

If we have low level concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils we may provide additional support:

Check ins with an adult in class/other adults
Drawing and Talking

For those pupils displaying mild-moderate mental health needs we may provide a higher level of support by referring to:

Family Support Worker
Education Mental Health Practitioner
NESSie
School Health/Step 2
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust's (HPFT) single point of access (SPA)

If you have any concerns about your child's mental health and wellbeing, please do not hesitate to talk to a member of staff who will pass on your concern to the relevant person.