“Mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing 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 make a contribution to her or his community.” 

                                                                                                                         World Health Organisation

Intent

At Bevois Town Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of every member of our school community and recognise how important mental health and physical health and well-being is to our lives. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We recognise that mental health and overall well-being can affect learning and achievement. We therefore take that view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play. We believe that good mental health can lead to improved attainment, attendance, positive behaviour, as well as happier, more confident and resilient children and young people.

Moral Purpose

Bevois Town Primary School are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of the whole school community.  We believe in teamwork; working with each other, with teachers and colleagues across the school, with the wider school community and most importantly with the pupils in our school.

What underpins our intent to develop positive mental health at Bevois Town?

At Bevois Town, we aim to develop the protective factors which build resilience to mental health problems and to be a school where:

• All children are valued.

• Children have a sense of belonging and feel safe.

• Children feel able to talk openly with trusted adults about their problems without feeling any stigma.

• Positive mental health is promoted and valued.

• Bullying is not tolerated.

Early intervention to identify issues and provide effective support is crucial.  The school’s role in supporting and promoting mental health and wellbeing can be summarised as:

1. Prevention: creating a safe and calm environment where mental health problems are less likely, improving the mental health and wellbeing of the whole school population, and equipping pupils and students to be resilient so that they can manage the normal stress of life effectively. This will include teaching pupils about mental wellbeing through the curriculum and reinforcing this teaching through school activities and ethos.

2. Identification: recognising emerging issues as early and accurately as possible.

3. Early support: helping pupils and students to access early support and interventions.

4. Access to specialist support: working effectively with external agencies to provide swift access or referrals to specialist support and treatment.

What Inclusion and Effective Mental Health Interventions Means To Us

• The child stays at the centre of every conversation.
• We prioritise those who need our help most, but we intervene with all.
• When young people are here, we can support and educate them – attendance matters.

Support

If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s mental health and wellbeing, please contact Vicki Young (Deputy Headteacher) or Nicole Ash (Inclusion Leader).

Urgent Mental Health Helpline

NHS Tips for Mental Wellbeing

Mind - Seeking Help

Childline

Samaritans

The Mix - Support for Under 25s

Supporting Someone Else in Crisis