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.