West Coker CofE VC Primary School
'All Life's Strands Entwined'
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Mrs Melanie Leeson is our Senior Mental Health Lead. Each half term, the Wellbeing Action group (parents, pupils, Governors and staff) meet to discuss how we, as a school community can improve the Wellbeing of all.
Thrive.
What is it?
The Thrive Approach prepares children and young people for life's emotional ups and downs. Based on neuroscience and attachment research, it is a rigorous, targeted and measured approach. It is a specific way of working with all children that helps to develop their social and emotional wellbeing, enabling them to engage with life and learning. It supports them in becoming more self-assured, capable and adaptable. It also provides a firm foundation for academic attainment.
You can find out more about Thrive by following the links below:
Somerset Mental Health Services
Somerset Children and Young Peoples' website offers advice to parents and families in a whole host of different areas:
- Maternity Toolkit
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Parent and Carer Toolkit
- Mental Health Toolkit
- Relationships, Sexual and Health Education
- Training
This website is open to the public and offers some great advice and opportunities for training to improve your skills and knowledge.
A Parent's Guide to Thrive
The Thrive Approach
https://www.thriveapproach.com/
How will a child be referred?
Children may be identified by a member of staff. You can also speak to your child's class teacher if you think your child may benefit from Thrive. Together you may decide to complete a referral form which will then get passed on to the SENDCo (Melanie Leeson), for consideration. Children, themselves, can also ask for support by contacting the Wellbeing Champions in class. If we feel your child would benefit from Thrive, we will ask you to sign a consent form.
Some useful websites: Home - Somerset Big Tent
https://www.somersetbigtent.org.uk/
Empowering children and young people to find the right wellbeing support at the right time - in your local area.
https://www.minded.org.uk/ a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults.
www.annafreud.org/ - advice for young people, parents and schools. https://www.annafreud.org/onmymind/ - support for young people written by young people.
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk Quality assured information, advice and resources to help primary schools understand and promote children’s mental health and wellbeing.
https://youngminds.org.uk/ Website dedicated to Children and Young People's mental health
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ Confidential advice and support for those suffering with anxiety.
https://childbereavementuk.org/ Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Corona Virus, https://www.annafreud.org/coronavirus/ - advice for young people, parents and schools https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/ - Has a Covid-19 Toolkit for Schools https://mhfaengland.org/ - guide to working from home, information how to help young people
Mindfulness techniques to try with your child:
EYFS and KS1 Relax with LoveMonster's Book Club Love Monster Book Club
KS2 PowerPoint Presentation (alderhey.nhs.uk)
Watch - Cosmic Kids