Children
It is important that we look after the mental health and wellbeing of our children as much as we look after their physical health. A mentally healthy child has the ability to:
- Develop psychologically, emotionally, socially, intellectually and spiritually.
- Initiate, develop and sustain mutually satisfying relationships.
- Use and enjoy solitude.
- Become aware of others and empathise with them.
- Play and learn.
- Develop a sense of right and wrong.
- Resolve problems and setbacks satisfactorily and learn from them.
How we look after the wellbeing of our children:
- Regular check ins using visuals, for example at the start of the day, after breaks and lunchtimes and at the end of the day to review how children are feeling.
- Visuals to help pupils understand and express their feelings (zones of regulation) and how to regulate themselves (for example ‘calm choice’).
- Individual Regulation Support Plans for those children who need additional support to understand, express and manage their emotions.
- Promotion of activities to help pupils to regulate themselves, for example calm choice boards.
- Supported social times.
- Fidget toys and other sensory support.
- Lunchtime activities to create positive peer interaction.
- Playing games and using games not only to relax and have fun but also develop essential social skills and support regulation.
- Individualised social stories when appropriate, to support pupils coping with difficult events.
- Regular exercise and physical activity at playtimes and during PE.
- Established positive and open relationships with parents/carers, liaising with parents to support each child.
- Use of reward systems and clear expectations of conduct.