Statement of Mental Health and Wellbeing Intent

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we recognise the fundamental importance of mental health in the overall well-being and development of our pupils. We are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that prioritizes the mental wellbeing of the whole school community.

 

This Statement of Intent for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Primary School outlines our dedication to promoting positive mental health, early intervention and providing the necessary support systems to ensure the holistic development of each pupil. We aim to:

Create an Emotionally Supportive Environment:

Through the development of our school values, we will cultivate a nurturing school atmosphere where pupils feel safe, respected and valued. We will promote positive relationships, empathy and emotional literacy, enabling children to express their feelings openly and seek support when needed.

 

Raise Awareness and Educate:

Through our Shine curriculum, PSHE and RHE lessons, we will implement age-appropriate mental health lessons that foster an understanding of emotions, resilience, and coping strategies. Our curriculum will include topics such as stress management, self-care, empathy and building healthy relationships, empowering pupils with essential life skills.

 

Identify and Respond to Mental Health Needs:

Through our Wellbeing Team, we will establish a comprehensive system for early identification of mental health concerns. Our staff will receive training to recognize warning signs, provide appropriate support and refer pupils to specialized professionals or resources when necessary. We will work closely with parents, guardians and external agencies to facilitate a coordinated approach to pupil wellbeing.

 

Promote Mental Health Advocacy and Reduce Stigma:

Through our school values and Shine curriculum, we will actively challenge and address the stigma associated with mental health. Through school-wide initiatives, guest speakers, awareness campaigns and events, we will encourage an open dialogue and foster a culture of acceptance and understanding, where seeking help for mental health is seen as a sign of strength.

 

Provide Accessible Support Services:

Through our Wellbeing Team, we will ensure that children have access to a range of support services tailored to their individual needs. This includes qualified mental health professionals, counsellors and a dedicated wellbeing team within the school. We will maintain clear pathways for children and their families to access these services in a timely and confidential manner.

 

Collaborate with Families and the Community:

Through our Wellbeing Team, we will actively engage parents, guardians and the wider community by providing resources, workshops and opportunities for dialogue. Together, we will work towards nurturing an environment that supports the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils.

 

We are committed to regular evaluation and improvement of our mental health initiatives, ensuring that our practices align with current research and best practices in the field. By prioritizing mental health in primary school, we aim to equip our pupils with the skills, knowledge and support necessary to thrive academically, socially and emotionally, both during their time at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and beyond.