Mental Health and Wellbeing
At St Mary and St Giles C of E School, we are committed to supporting the positive mental health and wellbeing of our whole community of children, staff, parents and carers.
Our ethos is supportive, caring and respectful. We understand how important positive mental health and wellbeing is to our lives. We recognise that children’s mental health is a vital factor in their overall wellbeing and how it can affect their learning and achievements. Our School encourages children to be open and we support all children to have their voice heard.
The Department for Education (DfE) recognises that “in order to help their children succeed, schools have a role to play in supporting them to be resilient and mentally healthy”. St Mary and St Giles C of E School is a place for children to experience a nurturing and supportive environment. We support the children to develop their self-esteem and build resilience. We understand all children and their families go through ups and downs, and some face significant life events.
Our culture of nurturing children and building resilience to mental health problems means our school is a safe place where:
- Every child feels valued;
- Every child has a sense of belonging;
- Every child feels able to talk openly with trusted members of staff about their problems;
- Positive mental health is promoted;
- Bullying is not tolerated.
At St Mary and St Giles C of E School, positive mental health is everybody’s responsibility.
Jo Atkins - Mental Health Lead
Claire O'Sullivan - Pastoral Support
Links to Local Services in Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes Mental Health Support Team
Milton Keynes Mental Health Support Team in Schools (MHST) Website
MKMHST provide early intervention for children and young people, aged 5 to 18 years, with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. The website provides information on how to access support and useful videos on a range of topics:
- Managing Anxiety
- Managing Low Mood
- Sleep Management
- Classifying Worries
- Worry Time
- Problem Solving
Service Six
For over 40 years Service Six are proud to have delivered innovative and award-winning services that support some of the most vulnerable people in our local communities.
By providing a wide range of services within Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, Service Six support children, young people, adults, families who are experiencing disadvantage, social isolation or emotional difficulties.
To find out more about what they offer, please click on the link below:
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Professionals can refer children and young people who are causing adults a high level of concern to CAMHS.
Additional Information to help you to support your child's Mental Wellbeing
Useful Websites
- NHS 0 - 18yrs - Mental Health for You and Your Child.
- Childline - the Childline website has a Toolbox with tools and games to support children to cope with difficulties and help them to feel better.
- NHS - Talking to Your Child About Feelings.
- Young Minds - The Young Minds website has a really useful section for parents with and A-Z guide full of practical advice on how to support your child with whatever they are struggling with. It has top tips and ideas for parents and carers on how to talk to your child about mental health and advice around seeking further support should they need it.
- Health For Kids - This is a fantastic website that offers fun games and activities on wellbeing. Emotions and health for children and a wealth of information for parents and carers to help support your children to be healthy and happy as they grow. Find top tips and advice on all aspects of children’s emotional and physical health, from keeping kids active and eating well, to building their confidence and equipping them to cope with specific issues.
- NSPCC - The NSPCC has some helpful information about supporting children to manage their mental wellbeing online. We know there are lots of positives to being online for children, from staying in touch with friends to learning about the world, but there are challenges too. The online world can be tricky for children to navigate. For some it can become overwhelming trying to keep up with friends, and the pressure can mount.Noticing how your child is affected by being online is the first step in helping them manage their wellbeing.
Child Friendly Apps
- Smiling Mind - Daily mindfulness and meditation. Free programmes for adults and children.
- Chill Panda - Play your way to a calmer day.