Mental Health and Wellbeing at Our School

What We Mean by Mental Health

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act, how we handle stress, how we relate to others and how we make choices. At our school, we believe that positive mental health is essential for every member of our community — pupils, staff and families. When children and adults feel safe, supported and understood, they are better able to learn, grow and thrive.

Our Whole‑School Approach

Supporting mental health is not a single programme — it is a whole‑school commitment. We work together to create an environment where wellbeing is valued, openly discussed and actively supported every day.

Our Partnership with the Anna Freud Centre

We are proud to be working with the Anna Freud Centre, a leading organisation in child mental health. This project has strengthened our approach by grounding our work in research‑based practice. Through this partnership:

Staff have received training on a range of mental health topics.
Children in all Key Stages have taken part in mental health education to support their own wellbeing.
The school has developed consistent, evidence‑informed strategies used across classrooms and play spaces.

How We Support Pupils

Mental Health Champions

Some of our Key Stage 2 pupils have been trained as Mental Health Champions

They support other children during playtimes and lunchtimes.
They use a range of wellbeing strategies to help peers manage emotions and solve small problems.
Every Friday, the Mental Health Champions on duty are introduced during Collective Worship so the whole school knows who to turn to.

Zones of Regulation

All classrooms display and use the Zones of Regulation daily.

This helps children recognise their emotions.
It teaches them strategies to move back to a calm, ready‑to‑learn state.
It provides a shared language for pupils and staff to talk about feelings.

How We Support Staff

Staff wellbeing is central to our school culture.

Teachers and support staff have received training on mental health, resilience and emotional regulation.
Regular wellbeing tips and resources are shared with staff to help them look after their own mental health.
Our whole‑school approach ensures that adults feel supported so they can best support pupils.

Working with Families

We believe mental health is a partnership between school and home.

Mental health tips are shared with parents and carers.
These resources help families support their children’s wellbeing and strengthen the home–school connection.