Wellbeing and Mental Health
Mr Hallis is our Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead at Castle Academy.
At Castle Academy we support the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We believe that mental health is the responsibility of all. We recognise that anyone can suffer from mental health and wellbeing issues at any one point in their lives. In school, we have implemented a range of strategies to support the wellbeing of all, including signposting and referring to external services.
We promote a mentally healthy environment through:-
- Promoting our school values and encouraging a sense of belonging
- Promoting pupil voice and opportunities to participate in decision-making
- Celebrating academic and non-academic achievements
- Providing opportunities to develop a sense of worth through taking responsibility for themselves and others
- Providing opportunities to reflect
- Access to appropriate support that meets their needs
Teaching about Mental Health and Wellbeing
Curriculum
The school follows the DfE guidelines for the teaching of Mental Health and Wellbeing in the following ways:
- Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) scheme of work
- Assemblies and theme days
- Sensory Circuits
- Mindfulness sessions
Interventions to support mental wellbeing
Staff across school including the inclusion team and outside agencies provide appropriate interventions for pupil’s mental health and wellbeing:
- Drawing and Talking Therapy
- Personalised interventions
- Self-esteem individual and group activities
- Bereavement Counselling
- Lego therapy
- Consultations with the NHS Mental Health Support Team
Mental Health Concerns for Your Child
The school values the support of parents by working in partnership with them to support their child. If parents have a mental health concern about their child, they are most welcome to discuss this with Mrs Craven, the Mental Health Lead, Loise Benta or Emma Gray.
Mental Health Concerns for Yourself
If parents and carers have a mental health concern about themselves, they are most welcome to discuss this with Mrs Craven, the Mental Health Lead, Loise Benta or Emma Gray who can signpost you to support agencies.
Useful links
A charity dedicated to improving children’s mental health
Mind Helplines and listening services
A guide which explains what mental health crisis services are available, how they can help and when to access them.
Mind Northamptonshire offer support for 18+. As community connectors we offer groups and 121 support to help with personal development. This support with be at Northampton Mind Anchor house, 6-7 regents square, Northampton NN1 2NQ.
Mindfulness for pupils
In school, we practice daily minfulnesss sessions to support children with their wellbeing and mental health. Mindfulness has been proven to help to calm children, as well as to increase focus and working memory. Below, we have included some visual representations of strategies that children should be familiar with, as well as some guided meditations and breathing excercises at the bottom of the page.
If this is an area you feel you would like more support in, please contact Mrs Craven through the school office.