The World Health Organisation’s definition of mental health and wellbeing is; “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 contribute to her or his community”.
The mental health and well-being of everyone in our school is very important. We ensure that children and adults are supported throughout their time at Cheddington Combined School.
The following support and arrangements are in place to support children and families. We offer different levels of support:
Universal Support – To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos and out wider curriculum. This is evident through our:
- PSHE Curriculum
- School Council who provide frequent opportunities for children’s voices to be heard and to effect change.
- Feedback and marking strategies that encourage dialogue between the teachers and pupils.
- Forest School trained staff who are able to provide sessions for all year groups during the academic year.
- A range of lunchtime and after-school clubs.
- School trips and visitors
The key message is that we know and understand that all children and parents are doing a fantastic job. Staff are here to help and we will do all we can to support.
Additional support – For those who may have short term needs.
- Individual or group sessions with our trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
- Tailored support provided by teacher or Teaching Assistant
If you have a short term need or require some support, please contact your child’s class teacher through their year group@ email address so we can plan how to best support you.
Targeted support – For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted intervention.
If you or your child need targeted support, please contact your child’s class teacher through year group@ email address or email either school office on admin so we can plan how to best support you. We may do this with staff at school but we may also refer you to outside agencies who may be better placed to provide you with the help you need.
Specialist support - Referral to outside professionals, including:
o Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
o Family Support Service
o Play Therapist
o Community Paediatrics
Lead staff members:
Mrs G Brown: Head Teacher and DSL
Miss A Bateman: SENDCO, DDSL and Senior Mental Health Lead.
Mrs K Lowery and Mrs M Mandry: Emotional Literacy Support Assistants
Mental health and Wellbeing
At Cheddington Combined School we understand that Mental Health and Wellbeing are essential for a pupil to obtain the most from their school experience in relation to learning and social engagement. We strive to highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing, not only with staff and parents, but with the pupils so that they can begin to really understand the value of taking care of themselves and encouraging a sense of independence and empowerment.
To support mental health in school we celebrate annually, World Mental Health Day and Children’s Mental Health.
At Cheddington staff are aware of mental health needs and that these may present in a variety of different ways. We have two trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) who are to both available the staff and the children. ELSA referrals are made by the class teacher.
ELSA can support with:
- Loss and bereavement
- Emotional Literacy
- Self esteem
- Social skills
- Friendship issues
- Relationships
- Managing strong feelings
- Anxiety
- Bullying
- Conflict
- Emotional regulation
- Growth mindset
- Social stories
Useful websites:
Place2be - https://www.place2be.org.uk/
Young minds - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/
NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/
NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/