Well Being
Well Being is a priority in our provision in school. We have a Mental Health and Well Being team on our staff, who are able to offer support, guidance and input for children as and when this is needed.
Our video introduces the staff team and explains more about Mental Health and Well Being support here at Hillside Avenue Primary and Nursery School.
At Hillside Avenue Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff to ensure that our school is a community where everyone feels able to thrive. Positive mental wellbeing is essential if our children are to flourish and lead fulfilling lives. We know that everyone experiences life 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.
Our school values of happiness and wellbeing are promoted through our school’s curriculum and procedures. When our children experience challenging times that affect them emotionally, we are here to support them so they can continue to grow to be the best they can be. At Hillside, through our PSHE, RSE and SMILE curriculum all children learn about what they can do to manage and maintain their own positive mental health. They are taught when to when to seek help, what help is available and what can affect their mental health.
Our SMILE approach, which promotes the NHS Five Ways to Wellbeing, encourages all our pupils to have good mental health through Socialising, Moving, taking an Interest, Learning and Engaging with others. SMILE activities are planned in each classroom each week including mindfulness, active 15, walk and talk and opportunities to socialise with others. Our pupils keep a SMILE journal of activities, which they use to reflect on their own wellbeing. Our SMILE Wellbeing Ambassadors meet termly to discuss how they can improve wellbeing at school
Wellbeing Team and Support in our school
We are delighted to have a dedicated Wellbeing Team that supports pupils who at times, need some additional support through challenging times.
Who are the Wellbeing Team?
Mrs Rebecca Bishop - Mental Health First Aider/ELSA/Mental Health Champion/DSL
Mrs Samantha Wilkinson - KS2 Lead/DSL
Mrs Archna Crosswell - SENCO
Miss Lizzy Pendleton - EYFS Lead
Mrs Bonnie Leeming - Nurture Support/Teaching Assistant
Mrs Lisa Stasi - Nurture Support/Teaching Assistant
Mrs Valerie Dowler - Nurture Support/Teaching Assistant
What are the levels of support at Hillside Avenue?
Universal Support – For all pupils at Hillside to ensure that they can learn how to have good mental wellbeing. This is taught through our PSHE, RSE and SMILE curriculum.
Additional support – For those children who need some support to help deal with short term needs. This is our Tier 1 support, where children are at first supported by their classroom adults under the guidance of the Wellbeing Team.
Targeted support – For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions. This is our Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention, where our children have access to targeted interventions either individually or as part of a group.
If you feel that your child needs some additional emotional support please speak to your child’s class teacher who will be able to provide you with some advice. If you have any worries or concerns about your child’s mental wellbeing our school’s Wellbeing Team are here to help or you may find these websites/resources useful.
https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/emotional-health/children-young-peoples-emotional-health
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/anxiety-in-children/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz1S66_pYTw&t=1s
https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk
https://www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/norfolk/
Resources for Mindfulness and Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga