Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing

At the Crossways Schools, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and well-being of our pupils 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 important and that we all have a role to play.

At Crossways we:

• help children to better understand their emotions and feelings
• help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
• help children socially, to form and maintain relationships
• promote self-esteem and ensure children know that they are important
• encourage children to be confident and be themselves
• help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks

We offer different levels of support:

Whole school support– To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum. For instance developing resilience and growth mind-sets.

Additional support– For those who may have short-term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement.

Targeted support–  For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such as well-being groups or personal discussions/meetings.

 

Lead staff members for Mental health and well-being

Mrs Ayotte Reader (Junior School) and Miss Toms (Infant School)

 

                                 

                                       

Specialist TA for Mental health and well-being

Mrs Ivett (Junior School) and  Miss Meaton (Infants)

   

Children’s Mental Health and Well-being link Governor

Philip Clarke

 

Useful websites

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-helpline

https://sites.southglos.gov.uk/mind-you/

https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/parents-and-carers/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/

https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-yourself/five-ways-to-wellbeing/

https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/

https://www.kooth.com/

https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/

https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/parents

https://www.headstogether.org.uk/10-tips-for-talking-to-kids-about-their-worries/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/talking-to-children-about-feelings/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBnPlqQFPKs&t=11s

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08mr4sr

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/pshe-ks2-growth-mindset/zkph92p

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zh9v382 Parents’ Toolkit: SEND

Shout: www.giveusashout.org – 24-hour text support, start your text with CONNECT  – Parent support

Other useful resources

Everybody worries (online book – Oxford Owl) https://en.calameo.com/read/000777721945cfe5bb9cc?authid=Xu9pcOzU3TQx

Mindfulness / glitter jar – this can be used on its own or with one of the resources below https://www.developgoodhabits.com/mindfulness-jar/

Star breathing http://www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk/covid-anxiety-stress-resources-links/

Take 5 breathing cards http://www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk/covid-anxiety-stress-resources-links/

Soak in a Positive Moment  http://www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk/covid-anxiety-stress-resources-links/

Making a Happiness Box https://barrycarpentereducation.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/rationale-for-the-happiness-box.pdf

Wheel of Well-Being https://www.wheelofwellbeing.org/wow-yourself

Other resources can be found on the links below, as well as in the attachments section at the bottom of the page.

Kindness Matters – Mental Health Foundation – Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

 

Social media (online safety and well-being)

Please find more information about helping your child/children stay safe online here: https://www.crosswaysschools.co.uk/cjs/e-safety

https://www.crosswaysschools.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Parent-Guidelines-for-Social-Networking.pdf

Social media and mental health guide parents

Importance of sleep

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/healthy-sleep-tips-for-children/

Top tips:

1. Daily exercise.
2. Bedtime routines, keeping the same bed time each day.
3. End screen time at least one hour before bedtime.
4. Keeping bedrooms cool, quiet and with as little light as possible.

Good night sleep guide

Tips for a good night sleep

Positive Body Image 

https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/risks-and-protective-factors/lifestyle-factors/body-image/

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/how-to-help-your-child-maintain-a-positive-body-image

Apps

• Headspace live a happier, healthier life with just a few minutes of meditation a day on the Headspace app.
• KOOTH XenZone is a provider of online mental health services for children, young people and adults.
  Kooth, from XenZone, is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.Please click on this link if you wish to be directed to Kooth.
• Colorfy is a lovely colouring mindfulness app that first started off in print version. Based in science of creativity and how colouring can create a feeling of flow that is associated with a meditative state. It is beautiful, and just looking at the lovely colours made me feel happy. You can paint from pre-loaded templates or even create your own.
• The Mix the Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via online, social or our free, confidential helpline.

 

Covid-19 – useful websites

Parenting for Lifelong Health has developed a suite of online parenting resources during COVID-19. It includes information on topics like keeping calm and managing stress, talking about Covid-19, learning through play and much more, this is available in 90 different languages.  You can access the resources at: https://www.covid19parenting.com/

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/coronavirus-and-mental-health

https://www.actionforhappiness.org/news/how-to-keep-mentally-healthy-during-uncertain-times 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

http://teacher.scholastic.com/education/pdfs/FirstAidForFeelings_Eng.pdf A Workbook to Help Kids Cope During the Coronavirus Pandemic

https://counseling.northwestern.edu/blog/coping-isolation-loneliness-coronavirus-pandemic/ For parents: Strategies for coping with isolation and loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic

 

In attachments:

Supporting mental health in the return to school – tips for parents is provided by : Supporting family wellbeing – https://www.jwbridgethegap.com/