Wellbeing

At St Joseph’s Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils. Supporting and promoting wellbeing, building resilience and good mental health will improve outcomes for our children. With such a huge amount of time spent in the classroom, schools provide an ideal environment for promoting good emotional wellbeing and identifying early behaviour changes and signs of mental distress. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. The social and emotional skills, knowledge and behaviours that young people learn in the classroom can help them to build resilience and set the pattern for how they will manage their mental health throughout their lives.

We have regular PSHE/RSHE lessons to build on social skills, wellbeing and our school values. There are areas around the school where children can access books and we promote strategies to support and look after our wellbeing and mental health. Children can access the Listening Ear Box and speak to Mrs Majko or Mrs Glennon.

At St Joseph’s we are implementing a whole school restorative approach where we encourage:

RESPECT – for everyone by listening to other opinions and learning to value them

RESPONSIBILITY – taking responsibility for our own actions

REPAIR – developing the skills within our school community so children have the necessary skills to identify solutions that repair harm and ensure behaviours are not repeated

To support Wellbeing in our school Mrs Majko is our Wellbeing Partner and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

Mrs Glennon supports Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing for Pupils, Mental Health First Aider, ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) trained, trained Draw and Talk Therapist.

WELLBEING SUPPORT

· ELSA Emotional Literacy Support Sessions

· Draw and Talk sessions

· Gardening Club

· Sensory Circuits

· Confidence/Self-esteem groups

· Circle time

· PSHE/RSHE lessons

· Transition to secondary school program

We can also access help outside of school and can refer for additional support through School Nurse services, Youth Centre referrals, Early Help, Kent Young Carers and more.