Mental Health and Wellbeing

At Newtown C of E Primary School, we believe that good mental health and wellbeing are essential for children to learn and thrive. We are committed to creating a caring, supportive environment where every child feels safe, valued and able to talk about their feelings.

Newtown C of E Primary School were delighted to be awarded the School Mental Health Award in 2022, which is delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. We were awarded their Silver standard in recognition of our strong whole-school approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils, families and staff.

Supporting Children’s Wellbeing

At our school, we understand that children may face different challenges as they grow and learn. We work closely with pupils and families to provide support that helps children develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships.

Mental health and wellbeing are promoted across the school in a number of ways, including:

• Teaching children to understand and talk about their feelings
• Encouraging kindness, empathy and respect for others
• Providing opportunities for children to develop resilience and coping strategies
• Creating safe spaces where children feel comfortable sharing their worries
• Working closely with families and outside professionals when additional support is needed

Through these approaches, we help children build the emotional skills they need to manage challenges and enjoy school life.

Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA)

We are fortunate to have trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) in school who work with children who may need additional emotional support. ELSA programmes are designed to help pupils develop skills such as:

• Recognising and understanding emotions
• Building self-esteem and confidence
• Developing social and friendship skills
• Learning strategies for emotional regulation
• Coping with loss, change or bereavement

These sessions are delivered in a calm and supportive environment and may take place individually or in small groups. ELSA support provides children with a safe space to talk and learn helpful strategies to manage their feelings.

Supporting Mental Health at Home

We also work closely with parents and carers to support children’s wellbeing at home. Families sometimes need guidance and reassurance, especially when children experience changes or challenges in their lives.

One of the approaches we share with families is the “Back to Basics” approach, which focuses on the foundations of wellbeing. Small everyday habits can make a big difference to children’s emotional health, such as:

• Healthy eating
• Getting enough sleep
• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Positive routines at home
• Taking time to look after family wellbeing

Building strong foundations helps children feel secure and supported as they grow and learn.