Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Olveston CEVC Primary School, we are committed to fostering an environment where the wellbeing and mental health of every child is paramount. We recognise that for children to thrive academically and socially, they must feel safe, valued, and understood. Our aim is to instil a culture that promotes positive mental health, resilience, and emotional literacy, ensuring each child grows in confidence and self-worth. Our core purpose is providing children with ‘the roots of love, wings of independence and the power within’
We aim to educate our community on the importance of mental health, reinforcing our Christian values of kindness, happiness, friendship, courage, respect and success. Our curriculum is designed to not only meet academic needs but also to provide opportunities for personal development, encouraging creative expression and a sense of belonging. We strive for a whole-school approach, involving parents, staff, and the wider community in our commitment to wellbeing, ensuring no child feels isolated or unsupported.
What does our approach to mental health look like?
To effectively live our vision for wellbeing and mental health, we have well established strategies:
- Mental Health Education: We incorporate mental health education into our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum. Lessons cover topics such as emotional regulation, coping strategies, mindfulness, and healthy relationships, tailored to the age and developmental stage of the children.
- Staff Training: Staff receive regular training on mental health awareness and intervention strategies, equipping them with the skills to recognise signs of distress and provide appropriate support. We foster a culture of openness, encouraging staff to model positive mental health practices. Within our staff team we have a thrived trained senior mental health lead, a qualified primary mental health first aider and EBSA trained staff.
- Buddy System and Peer Support: We have an established buddy system where older children offer support and friendship to their younger peers. This initiative promotes inclusivity and helps develop strong social skills among children.
- Regular Wellbeing Check-ins: We conduct regular wellbeing check-ins for all pupils, using a variety of forms such as surveys, one-on-one conversations with staff, and class discussions. These checks help identify children who may need additional support and ensure that wellbeing remains a focus in our school community.
- Partnerships with External Agencies: We have developed partnerships with local mental health organisations and services to provide additional resources and support for families and children. This includes workshops for parents, as well as facilitating access to professional counselling services within the school. Jigsaw Thornbury have run sessions with our 2 children and year 6 children recently.
- Restorative behaviour support – our school behaviour system is based around relationships we use positive reinforcement and clear structure to support children with the behaviour choices. See our behaviour section of the website.
- Celebration of Achievements: We acknowledge and celebrate personal achievements in wellbeing alongside academic successes. Regular assemblies and display boards highlight these successes, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment within our school community.
How does this impact the children and school life?
The impact of our approach to wellbeing and mental health can be seen in a variety of outcomes:
- Improved Engagement and Attendance: We have high levels of pupil engagement, with reduced absenteeism linked to mental health issues. Our focus on wellbeing allows children to engage more fully in their learning. The school attendance levels are above local and national levels.
- Enhanced Emotional Resilience: Through our curriculum and support systems, pupils demonstrate increased emotional resilience. They are better equipped to manage challenges and form healthy relationships with their peers.
- Positive School Culture: Our school environment is one where children feel safe and valued. Feedback from parents and children indicates a strong sense of community and inclusivity, where mental health is openly discussed and stigma is reduced. (See our parent voice section of the website)
- Informed Families: Our partnerships with external agencies and workshops for parents have empowered families with knowledge and tools to support their children’s mental health at home.
- Behaviour (s): There is a positive, vibrant and warm feeling to the school. Behaviours across the school are excellent. Low level disruption is limited and the school manages communicated needs through behaviour well.
- Pupil Voice and Leadership: Children are encouraged to voice their opinions on wellbeing, and many take on leadership roles in promoting mental health awareness within the school. This empowerment contributes to a sense of ownership and responsibility for their own wellbeing and that of their peers.
In conclusion, Olveston School is commitment to ensure that wellbeing and mental health are a fundamental part of our educational ethos. We continuously reflect on and adapt our practices to ensure that we provide the best possible support for our pupils, thereby fostering a nurturing environment where every child can flourish both academically and personally.
