At Berwick Hills Primary School we aim to promote the Mental Health and Well Being of all our pupils, staff and parent/carers. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support.
We strive to ensure that within the Berwick Hills community every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to the wider community.
Through our induction, curriculum, training and provision we aim to equip the pupils, staff (including Governors) and parents/carers with the learning environment and skills they need in order to keep safe, happy and healthy in mind and body.
We work closely with HeadStart whose aim is to give all Middlesbrough’s children the necessary support to build resilience to achieve good emotional health. The aim of the HeadStart school programme is to make sure that children and young people are happy and enjoy their time at school. There are many things that impact on the emotional well-being of children; falling out with friends, the pressures of social media, keeping up with studies. We want all our pupils to have good emotional health, to have the skills and confidence to cope, solve problems, achieve well and be happy. HeadStart is a whole school approach where everyone feels safe and comfortable to be themselves, learn and develop in a positive environment and access support when needed.
In addition we are teaching children, staff and parents proactive mental health strategies to use at home and at school. These strategies are from the ‘Decider’ and are designed to help us be more resilient, resourceful, responsible, robust and respectful.
Our school is committed to the HeadStart principles to allow every young person to have the best possible experience and outcomes throughout their school journey.
Lead Staff Members:
Tessa Smith: Headteacher
Jane Parker-Hack: SENDCO, Designated Safeguarding Lead
Paula Davidson: Family Services Lead
Helen McConnachie Parent Support Advisor
Sara Dawson: Emotional and Behavioural Support
Nichola: CATs Counsellor
Paula Davidson: Mental Health First Aider
Hannah Johnson: ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
Well Being links for children
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/
Wellbeing links for parents
https://youngminds.org.uk/resources/getting-help-posters/#parents-helpline
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-health-services/camhs-information-for-parents-and-carers/
Well being links for staff
https://www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk/staff-engagement-wellbeing
https://mindfulintheclassroom.wordpress.com/teachers-schools-a-guide-to-having-a-mindfulness-practice-why/
Mental health resources for teachers and teaching staff (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Mental heath and wellbeing provision in schools- Research Report
