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 Abbey Infant School, we aim to promote positive mental well-being for all of our pupils, staff, families and the community.  Our Mental Health and Well-being team meet every half term to review what we are doing and think about how we can improve well-being in our school.  As well as promoting positive mental well-being, we aim to recognise and respond to poor mental ill health.  In an average classroom, three children will be suffering from a diagnosable mental health issue. 

We aim to create and promote a safe and stable environment for pupils affected both directly and indirectly by mental ill health, or signpost individuals to organisations for support.

Supporting Pupils

We believe we have a key role in promoting children’s positive mental health and well-being.  Our school has developed a range of strategies and approaches including:

• The Thrive Approach
• Transition support between classes and to junior school                       
• Quiet calm areas in all classrooms    
• Nurture Groups                                                
• Positive, structured adult led play opportunities at playtimes
• Lego Therapy                                                  
• Taking Care Programme
• Art Therapy
• Relax Kids club
• Sycamore Counselling
• PSHE
• Circle Times
• After school sports and craft clubs
• Promoting healthy lifestyles through diet and exercise to support mental health and well-being

The Thrive Approach

The Thrive Approach supports social and emotional development. 

We aim to provide …

• Support for children who are experiencing emotional, social or behaviour difficulties.
• We provide a safe and calm environment for children to develop their skills.
• Enable children to take pride in their achievements and enhance self-esteem.
• Help children to manage their feelings and develop skills to enjoy and participate in school life.
• Use positive approaches to manage all behaviours.

Children are supported every day by our Thrive practitioner in the Learning Hub.

The Dimensions Tool

The Dimensions Tool is a free online tool providing personalised information to support a person’s well-being and mental health. You can rate yourself or another person against a number of dimensions related to health and wellbeing. The tool creates a Dimensions report which provides information about self-care, local services and support.

Chat Health is a texting advice service run by health visitors and school nurses, dependant on your child or young person's age.

If you have any questions about your pre-school child, or your own health and well being you can text 07520 615293 at any time. A health visitor will aim to text you back within 2 hours during normal working hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays).

If you are the parent or carer of a child in school, you can text a school nurse on 07520 619376. You will get a reply during opening hours (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

Supporting Staff

Promoting staff health and emotional well-being is an integral part of the whole school approach to mindfulness and mental well-being.  We have an open door policy if staff need to speak to someone about concerns or personal well-being.  We believe in maintaining a positive work life balance.  Time is made available in the school day for staff to fulfil responsibilities.

Signposting to materials about mental health and well-being is also made available.

Staff have access to the Warwickshire County Council’s Employee Assistance Programme, Workplace Wellness, providing support 365 days a year.