Wellbeing
At St Paul's school we support the emotional wellbeing of our pupils, parents and staff.
The second aspect of our school vision is that 'we seek to understand ourselves and to understand others'. We know that everyone experiences challenges in life that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional support in some way.
Our PSHE/RSHE programme (Jigsaw) deepens our children's understanding of emotional wellbeing as well as providing our children with a toolkit of strategies to support them when they have worries or anxieties.
At St Paul's we offer 'drop in' sessions on a Tuesday lunchtime with our Pastoral Lead, where children in Key Stage Two can talk about their feelings. Should you wish your child not to access these sessions, please inform the school in writing.
Should your child require further support with their emotional wellbeing the school is able to signpost families to services. Please contact the Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion for further information.
RECOMMENDED APPS
Reception and Key Stage 1 (Ages 4 – 7)
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street
Breathe, Think, and Do with Sesame is a free app that helps kids learn to deal with frustrating situations using the "breathe, think, do" method. They will learn to take long, deep belly breaths to calm down, think of a few strategies to handle the problem and then do those things. They will develop resilience as they overcome frustrations and challenges on their own.
Even young children aged two to five can become more aware of their own emotions. Breathe, Think, Do features your child’s favourite Sesame Street characters to help teach them skills such as problem-solving, self-control, planning and perseverance
To find out more, click here - Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-10)
Mindful Powers
Mindful Powers is one the best mindfulness apps aimed at children aged between 7 and 10. The technique of mindfulness has been very positively received by many of those who have taken the time to learn and practice it. Adults have embraced mindfulness apps to aid their learning and practice.
The contents of this app in both presentation and method are well suited to the target age group. The child friendly graphics have a dreamy quality and the audio is something of an ethereal soundscape. Guided stories lead children towards calmness and focus while a timer option helps them to apply what they have learned to real life.
Find out more here – Mindful Powers App
USEFUL LINKS
This lovely video explains mental health really clearly.
Anna Freud - Talking Mental Health
There are lots of strategies, both within school and at home, that can help young people to discuss their emotions and thoughts.
Here are some useful websites for families;
If you have concerns about your child's emotional wellbeing please see the tabs below for advice.
Top Tips for Feeling Good - a child friendly leaflet with suggestions of strategies for when they are feeling stressed or anxious.
Childline is a free and confidential service where children can talk about anything.
Childline can be contacted on 0800 1111.
YoungMinds is a charity that champions the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Their website has advice and strategies as well as a Parents Helpline.
Should you be worried about your child's mental wellbeing please speak to the Head of School or the Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion. We also have a trained counsellor who works at St Paul's two afternoons a week in the capacity of a pastoral support worker for children. For serious concerns about your child's mental health, contact your child's G.P.
Further places to go for help - if you are a child:
- Try these brilliant tips for self care - https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/self-care/
- If you have lost a loved one - https://www.griefencounter.org.uk/
Further places to go for help - if you are worried about your child:
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team (CAMHS) - https://www.behcamhs.nhs.uk/parents-and-carers/worried-about-your-child.htm
- Barnet support for parents – Click Here