Keeping pupils safe is our first priority.  Across our website there is lots of information on how we work with families and agencies to keep pupils safe.

To find out more about safeguarding, please look at our Safeguarding Page in the Key Information tab or click on this link.

Supporting children emotionally

Mrs Ford is our Learning Mentor

Mrs Ford is our Learning Mentor.  She has designated time in the week to work with pupils who may need some short-term support - someone to talk to, about a problem they are experiencing or a challenge they are facing in their lives.  Mrs Ford is part of our mental health and well-being team.  She is trained in mental health first aid.

Her pastoral role includes liaising with staff, parents, children and outside agencies to ensure the well-being of individual pupils is fully supported.

Mrs Ford runs individual and group sessions.  As part of her programme of support, identified children have the opportunity to spend designated periods of time with a trusted adult on a 1:1 basis or within a small group, to share information confidentially or talk through issues that concern them.

Some of the areas we can offer support for families includes:

What are the benefits for pupils and families?

These are all valuable life skills - which some pupils may need a little extra support to enhance them in line with their peer groups. Some issues may require long term support whilst others may need short blocks of time or an isolated session. This work is in line with general support from the class teachers and our School Values.

Referrals

Referrals are welcome from parents/carers as well as school staff members and pupils themselves. If you wish to make an appointment with Mrs Ford, please contact the school office.  Sensitive issues are always treated in confidence.

Resources that can help with childhood anxiety

Books:

Sitting Still Like a Frog, Activity Book. 75 Mindfulness Games for Children.

By Eline Snel.

What to do when you worry too much. A kid’s guide to overcoming anxiety.

and

What to do when you dread your bed. A kid’s guide to overcoming problems

with sleep.

Both by Dawn Huebner.

Helping Children Who Are Anxious or Obsessional.

Helping Children Who Bottle Up Their Feelings.

Both by Margot Sunderland.

Mindful Kids. 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness Focus and Calm.

By Whitney Stewart and Mina Braun.

CBT Workbook for Kids. 40 exercises and activities to help children overcome

anxieties and face their fears at home, school and out in the world.

By Heather Davidson

Apps:

There are also a wide range of Apps you can download to help your child feel calm, some of these are completely free or have a free trial period;

Websites:

www.nhs/childhoodanxiety

www.youngminds/anxiety    

www.childline/managing your anxiety

Free Phone Helpline for Parents:  Young Minds; 0808 802 5544 (Mondays to Fridays 9.30am – 4pm)