At Meadowside Primary, we are committed to promoting positive emotional health and mental wellbeing in all that we do. Through our open culture we aim to support all our pupils, the staff and families; we allow pupils’ 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. There is a new policy for Emotional Health and Mental Wellbeing on this website – see the link below.

We have recently carried out a whole school audit which includes a staff and pupil survey and during the Spring and Summer terms we are developing a wide range of strategies to support everyone at Meadowside. These will include workshops for parents/carers so look out for these. When faced with your son’s/daughter’s anxiety or low self esteem it can be a challenge for parents to know what to do to help them. For example when we did the survey in December, pupils in years 3 and 4 scored quite low on their self esteem. Follow this link to see some advice to parents about how you can help. Remember, we are not all experts but we can learn and listen. www.buildsoundminds.org.uk

The topic of mental health has been talked about a lot in the press and we are delighted that Ofsted recognise the importance of how students are supported in this area. Student mental health is on the new framework for inspection for September 2020 and we aim to be ahead of the game! There is a huge amount of information, guidance and support on the internet which can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few websites that we recommend:

• www.annafreud.org
• www.mind.org.uk
• www.time-to-change.org.uk
• www.actionforchildren.org.uk
• www.youngminds.org.uk
• www.buildsoundminds.org.uk
• www.northamptonshire.gov.uk

NSPCC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice and Support for Carers and Parents

• www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/coronavirus-advice-suppport-children-families-parents

Bereavement Support for children and adults

 In light of occcasional sad news here are some booklets which may help children and adults cope.