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Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy

Date accepted by Governors: Spring 2021

Review Date: Spring 2024

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Definition

Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (World Health Organization) 

 

In line with becoming a Rights Respecting School, adults and children work together to promote and realise children's rights. The following two articles concern positive mental health and wellbeing:

 

Article 19: You have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated, in body or mind.

 

Article 24: You have the right to the best health care possible, safe water to drink, nutritious food, a clean and safe environment, and information to help you stay well.

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing

The school has an established culture that promotes and enhances the positive mental health of the whole school community, recognising that healthy relationships underpin positive mental health and have a significant impact on learning, health and wellbeing. We champion the expectation that ‘mental health is the individual’s responsibility supported by the whole school community.’

 

The Policy Aims to:

  • Promote positive mental health and well-being for children, parents/carers and staff.
  • Provide support to children or adults suffering mental ill health.
  • Provide support to staff working with young people with mental health issues.
  • Increase understanding and awareness of common mental health issues

 

Lead Members of Staff

All staff have a responsibility to promote the positive mental health and wellbeing of children, staff with a specific, relevant remit include:

  • Marie Curtis – Designated Safeguarding Lead DSL
  • Ali Rumsby -   Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead/ Mental Health Lead DDSL SENDCO

 

Teaching about Mental Health and Wellbeing

The skills, knowledge and understanding needed by our children to keep themselves and others physically and mentally healthy and safe are an integral part of our curriculum and underpin the school’s ethos and values.

 

Signposting

We will ensure staff, children parents and carers are aware of sources of support within school and in the local community; this is outlined in Appendix 1.

 

We will display relevant sources of support in communal areas, such as common rooms and toilets and will regularly highlight sources of support to children, within relevant parts of the curriculum:

School staff may become aware of warning signs which indicate a child is experiencing mental health or emotional wellbeing issues.  These warning signs should always be taken seriously and staff observing any of these warning signs should communicate their concerns in accordance with the Child Protection policy.

 

Managing disclosures – see also Child protection policy

A child may choose to disclose concerns about themselves or a friend to any member of staff, so all staff need to know how to respond appropriately to a disclosure.

 

Supporting staff, Parents/Carers and Families

In order to support children, families, parents/carers, staff, we will:

 

  • Highlight sources of information and support about common mental health issues on our school website.
  • Ensure that all are aware of who to talk to, if they have concerns about themselves, a colleague, child, parent, carer, family member.
  • Make our mental health policy easily accessible to parents.
  • Share ideas about how parents can support positive mental health in their children through regular information sharing.
  • Offer relevant, timely and appropriate support to Staff, Parents/Carers and Families through:
    • In house support from key staff
    • External support from other agencies
  • Keep parents informed about the mental health topics their children are learning about in school and share ideas for extending and exploring this learning at home

 

CPD/ Training

All staff will receive regular training about recognising and responding to mental health issues as part of their regular child protection training in relation to their role and responsibilities.

 

See also: Medical Policy, Child Protection Policy and the SEND Policy.

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