At Bowmandale Primary School, we are committed to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing to all children, their families and members of staff and governors. Our open culture allows children's voices to be heard, and through the use of effective policies and procedures we ensure a safe and supportive environment for all affected - both directly and indirectly - by mental health issues. Please also refer to our Growth Mindset page which outlines our whole school approach to building confidence and resilience in our children.
We believe in a holistic approach to children's development and progress. We have a full time Learning Mentor and Mental Health Champion whose time is devoted to supporting our families and promoting children's emotional wellbeing. This may be through 1:1 counselling, therapeutic group or 1:1 sessions to build self-esteem or short term interventions such as a gardening and craft club or social skills groups. We also have a qualified Forest Schools Leader who works with small groups of children who may need a little support to build their social skills, confidence or self-esteem.
Below are a number of links which you may find useful in supporting the emotional wellbeing of your child or your family:
Action for Children - children's mental health
Support for children and young people around mental health and wellbeing
Barnardo's
Child protection, support and wellbeing
Childline
Information and advice about moving schools
Mental Health Foundation - children and young people
Information about mental health problems in children and young people
Mind
Information about all aspects of mental health
NSPCC - children's mental health
Advice and support for parents about children's mental health and wellbeing
Parent Info
Support for parents around digital wellbeing, relationships & sex education
Rethink Mental Illness
Advice and information about mental illness and wellbeing
YoungMinds
Mental health support for children and young people
Barton Children's Centre
More information can be found on our SEND page.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Information about local services that may be available to support with young people's mental health and wellbeing
We hope the following resources will help support your child with the transition back into school.
Preparing your child for the return to school
You may also find it useful to dip in and out of these resources and activities with your child:
Dave the Dog is worried about coronavirus
Family Activity Sheet - Viewing Videos Online
More useful mental health links...
Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week took place in May. The theme was kindness.