Wellbeing
At Park Way Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of all members of our school community and their families. We know that everyone experiences challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody's business and that we all have a role to play.
5 steps to mental wellbeing
Evidence suggests that there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing:
- Connect with other people
- Be physically active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Pay attention to the present moment
Follow this link to the NHS website for further information 5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Mental health is a state of well-being 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)
At our school, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our staff and pupil body. We pursue this aim using both universal, whole school approaches and specialised, targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable pupils.
In addition to promoting positive mental health, we aim to recognise and respond to mental ill health. In an average classroom, three children will be suffering from a diagnosable mental health issue. By developing and implementing practical, relevant and effective mental health policies and procedures we can promote a safe and stable environment for students affected both directly and indirectly by mental ill health.
We aim to develop resilience and positive mental health by being a community in which all:
- are shown respect
- feel safe within the school environment
- are confident to talk openly with adults within the school
- have a positive view of discussions around mental health and wellbeing
We want all members of our community to:
- feel confident to express themselves
- be able to express and recognise a range of emotions
- to form and maintain positive relationships with others
- develop resilience and strategies to cope with challenges
- thrive and achieve
We aim to achieve this through:
- supporting all members of our school community to take responsibility for their own wellbeing
- developing and delivering an inclusive and open PHSE and SRE curriculum
- raising awareness about mental health and wellbeing
- listening to and respecting our students, parents and staff
- working in partnership with parents/carers where there are concerns about mental health
- signposting sources of external help and advice
- making referrals and working with external agencies to provide additional support to those who need it
- recognising the importance of staff mental health and wellbeing
- modelling healthy attitudes and habits
Lead Members of Staff
- Karen Dhanecha – Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Richard Saunders - Mental Health Lead & Mental Health First Aider
- Sandra Rackley - Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Denise Hill - Deputy Head, SENCO & Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Karen Abrahams – Inclusion Officer & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Key websites for wellbeing:
https://issuu.com/neweconomicsfoundation/docs/five_ways_to_well-being?viewMode=presentation
Useful links for supporting parents/carers:
https://www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/mental-wellbeing-information-hub
https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/mental-health
Useful links for supporting children’s mental health:
Children and young people :: NHS Kent and Medway (icb.nhs.uk)
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/
https://www.healthforkids.co.uk/
Useful links for supporting staff mental health:
https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/
https://schools.au.reachout.com/articles/tips-for-teacher-wellbeing