Mental Health 

What is mental health?

The World Health Organisation defines mental health as a state of wellbeing in which every individual achieves their potential, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. Young Minds defines mental health as:

The strength and capacity of our minds grow and develop, to be able to overcome difficulties and challenges, and make the most of our abilities and opportunities.

Why Mental Health Matters

Good mental health and wellbeing is just as important as good physical health. Like physical health, mental health can range across a spectrum from healthy to unwell; it can fluctuate on a daily basis and change over time.

Good mental health underpins children's ability to: 

• Learn effectively and achieve academically
• Build positive relationships
• Develop confidence and self-esteem
• Cope with changes and challenges
• Feel happy, secure and included

Most children grow up mentally healthy, but surveys suggest that more children and young people have problems with their mental health today than 30 years ago. It is thought that this is probably because of changes in the way that we live now and how that affects the experience of growing up.

We understand that children may experience worries, anxieties, or difficulties at different points in their lives. Early support and open communication are key to ensuring these challenges do not become barriers to learning or wellbeing. 

Supporting every child and their family

At St Mark's we value strong partnerships with all our families and commit to ensure that every child receives the support they need in order to feel safe, and ready to learn. Whether through daily classroom practice, targeted support, or working with outside professionals, mental health and wellbeing remain at the heart of out school.

Our Whole School Approach

We take a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing. This means that wellbeing is embedded in everything we do, not treated as a standalone topic. 

A positive School Ethos

• We promote kindness, respect, and inclusion across the school embedded in our core school values which encourage a sense of belonging and community
• Clear behaviour expectations support a safe and calm environment
• Every child is known, valued, and supported
• Zero tolerance to Bullying

Teaching and Learning

We teach children about what it means to have good mental health and wellbeing throughout our curriculum and daily practice. Our PSHE curriculum focuses specifically on developing children’s social and emotional skills which can prevent poor mental health from developing and help all children cope effectively with setbacks and remain healthy. It is about helping children to understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviour and build skills that help them to thrive, such as working in a team, persistence, resilience and self-awareness. Children learn about emotions, relationships and coping strategies in an environment where open discussions about feelings and mental health are encouraged. 

Early Identification and Support

• Staff are trained to recognise signs of emotional or mental health needs
• We provide early support and intervention where needed
• We work closely with families to ensure the best outcomes for children
• We have a EMHP (Educational Mental Health Practitioner, ELSA and Mentor on site)
• We give guidance to families to gain support from mental health professionals if required
• We are registered with CAMHS to make school referrals
• Vital family discussions help identify what support is needed along with pupil voice

All concerns are reported to the pastoral team where the level of need is assessed within the team. This ensures that the  appropriate support can be put in place which could be within the school or an external agency. 

All staff have a shared responsibility in promoting and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all the pupils and each other at St Mark's Primary. However all staff and families can report concerns to our key staff members: 

Mental Health Lead: Miss L Coldwell 

DSL: Mrs S Randall: DSL

SEND Team: Miss R Hambleton & Mrs J Catto

EMHP: Ms M Weller (MHST: Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust)

Pupil Voice

At St Mark’s Primary school, children from year 3-Year 6 have the opportunity to become a Mental Health Champion every 2 terms during the school year. This involves:

1. Learning about what Mental Health is
2. Promote mental health and well-being within their class supporting the 5 ways of wellbeing
3. Litter picking around school and the wider community
4. Take part in visiting our local assisted living centre
5. Improve mental health and well-being support at St Mark’s
6. Take part, create, and support activities for Mental health UK and Anti-bullying campaigns
7. Take part in whole school assemblies/Worships
8. Learn mindfulness and strategies to help feel calm as well as grounding techniques
9. Share learning with their class and gain wider input for any school improvements
10. Create and design school displays

The Mental Health Champions also work alongside the school Anti-Bullying Ambassadors each lunchtime to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. They provide a listen ear to pupils who may have a worry, be a friend if they feeling lonely or recognise when someone is feeling sad. These pupils work alongside a team of grown-ups at school and have undergone training to understand when they must report incidents with adults and be reminded that they can gain help and support at anytime. 

Additional support

NHS: Mental health support for children and young people
YOUNG MINDS: Mental Health Support
BETTER HEALTH: Support in North Somerset