Well-being and Mental Health
At Highnam C of E Primary Academy, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils, families and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is paramount and that we all have a role to play.
As of September 2022, we have created an Inclusion Team consisting of Liz Coldrick (headteacher), Laura Hands (deputy headteacher), Rachel Evans (SENDCo maternity cover), Kerry Dixon (Family Support Worker) and Laura Gilchrist. We meet 10 times throughout the year and we bring together a wealth of experience and specialism to support the needs of our children. Team members work together with the school community to overcome barriers to learning and secure opportunities for success.
Our children benefit from weekly PSHE sessions that incorporate mindfulness, learning about mental health and helping our children to become emotionally literate. Children and families are supported by a trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and a Family Support Worker. Sally Young, a Thera-build® Licensed Practitioner provides pastoral support to pupils and Mel Jones, a Play Therapist, works with children from our school. Here is a link to the Play Therapist and a summary of what she does in her sessions.
A team of enthusiastic 'well-being Leaders' have been trained to support the wellbeing of their peers. These pupils champion positive mental health and wellbeing and will play a key role in sharing positive messages and ensuring that our children feel safe and have the support they need at school.
Resources to support mental health and wellbeing
