How does the school promote and support children’s wellbeing for all children?
- Our school vision and values describe our aim to have a school where all adults and children are valued and where we nurture and celebrate personal success through being happy, safe and confident learners who seek help when needed. This is a golden thread which is explored in collective worship (assemblies), within the classroom and on the playground.
- Children explore topics in our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum, Relationships Sex Education (RSE) curriculum and Physical Education (PE) curriculum which provide them with knowledge and skills to manage their wellbeing and understand the world around them.
- The School community participates in whole school events, such as HelloYellow for World Mental Health Day and Odd Sock Day for Anti-Bullying Week, to bring children’s awareness to these topics, teach them about how to safeguard their wellbeing and ensure they know what help is available.
- Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) at lunchtimes. Our children spend 20% of their school life at lunchtime. We have developed our OPAL provision to promote children’s wellbeing. Find out more on the OPAL page.
- We ensure we listen to pupils and know what is important to them through a School Parliament. We are proud to have a well-being committee in our School Parliament. Find out more on the School Parliament page.
- We follow a restorative approach which enables the school to resolve conflicts, improve behaviour and develop well-rounded individuals. Find out more about this in our Behaviour Policy on the Policies page.
- We know that having trusted adults in school is very important. The class teachers aim to build positive relationships with children through carefully planned transitions between Year Groups, by getting to know individual children’s interests and understanding their family contexts. This means that teachers can support each child in a way that works best for them.
- In every classroom, children have access to a ‘‘I want my teacher to know’ box. This enables children to share messages with their teacher if they do not feel comfortable speaking to them directly in person.
How does the school monitor the well-being of children?
- Class teachers get to know the children in their class really well. If your child’s class teacher notices changes in your child’s behaviour, demeanor or if your child shares a concern, they will take time to speak with your child and with you then agree measures to put in place to support your child.
- Teachers in Reception classes assess children against the Leuven scale through observations of them in the Reception environment. The results of these questionnaires are analysed by the Mental Health Hub (more details below).
- All children in Key Stage 1 (Year 1 & Year 2) complete a child-friendly wellbeing questionnaire. The results of these questionnaires are analysed by the Mental Health Hub (more details below).
- All children in Key Stage 2 (Year 3 to Year 6) complete an online wellbeing assessment each term. This helps to identify if a child’s wellbeing is becoming a concern and in what areas the child may require support. The results of this assessment are analysed by the Mental Health Hub (more details below).
What is the Mental Health Hub?
- At Branfil, our Mental Health Hub consists of Mrs White (Mental Health Lead), Mrs Mead (Pupil and Family Support Assistant, ELSA and Learning Mentor), Mrs Teleki (ELSA and Learning Mentor), Mrs Gutridge (ELSA and Learning Mentor) and Mrs Metcalfe (Senior Mental Health Lead and SENCo/Assistant Headteacher).
- The Mental Health Hub meet every half term to discuss the results of the children’s wellbeing questionnaires and assessments. The team agree the most appropriate action to take, which could include monitoring and support by the class teacher, direct work with an ELSA/learning mentor or a referral to an outside agency, such as a bereavement counsellor or CAMHS.
- The members of the Mental Health Hub work closely with parents/carers and listen to concerns that parents/carers may have about the child.
I’m worried about my child’s wellbeing, what should I do?
It is always best to speak to your child’s class teacher first as they will know your child best and who your child spends most of the school day with. Your child’s class teacher can liaise with members of the Mental Health Hub for advice or speak to the team about other support they feel your child may need. You can speak to your child’s class teacher at the end of the school day, e-mail your child’s class or year group e-mail address or call the office to request a telephone call or meeting. If your concern is about the safety of your child or if you would like more information, please look at our Parent/Carer Information and Family Support Page.
What support can my child receive if they are having difficulties with their social, emotional or mental health?
The Mental Health Hub will agree the most suitable support for your child, this may include:
- Support from their class teacher, teaching assistants and/or lunchtime assistants – this can vary depending on the nature of your child’s needs e.g. regular check ins, reasonable adjustments
- Support from an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) – weekly sessions where a child complete activities to work on a specific target relating to their emotional literacy
- Support from a Learning Mentor – daily, weekly or fortnightly sessions where a child is supported to explore their emotional and mental health and develop tools to support them to manage difficulties
- Pastoral Support from the Pupil and Family Support Assistant – this can vary depending on the nature of your child’s needs overtime
- Weekly lunchtime wellbeing group – pupils are invited to have lunch with Mrs White and talk through any concerns they may have. These are then appropriately addressed.
Where else can I find more information about how to support my child’s wellbeing?
- School Nurse – our School Nurse can give you advice about healthy eating, sleeping, health needs, emotional wellbeing, illnesses, behaviour and toileting. Contact the school office to book a confidential meeting or a telephone call. Parents/carers can also go to their GP.
- Parent/carer CAMHS consultation – slots are released for one day each month; information about this is shared via the school newsletter. Otherwise, please contact the school office, FAO Mrs Metcalfe, who will look to book you on the next available session.
- Young Minds provide young people with tools to look after their mental health. Their website is full of advice and information on what to do if your child is struggling with their feelings.
- Place2Be is a children and young people’s mental health charity with almost 30 years’ experience working with pupils, families and staff in UK schools.
- The Anna Freud Centre provides guidance and resources for families to use to support young people’s wellbeing.
- Havering Local Offer – Access information about what is available to children and adults in Havering to promote and address mental health and wellbeing. This includes advice, signposting and access to direct support through services such as counselling and workshops.