Wellbeing and Mental Health
Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Priory Common School, we are committed to supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our pupils and staff to ensure that the school is a community where everyone feels able to thrive.
What is mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. it affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Who has mental health?
We all have mental health. Some people can deal with their mental health better than others. Mental health problems are not a weakness - they are just responses to what is happening, and what has happened, to us and around us.
One in six 7-16 year olds has a mental health problem. (NHS Digital, 2022)
What helps?
Things that can help children keep well mentally include:
- Getting regular exercise.
- Eating healthy, regular meals and staying hydrated.
- Getting plenty of sleep.
- Trying a relaxing activity or taking part in activities for young people.
- Being grateful, positive, hopeful and optimistic.
- Staying connected with family and friends.
- Being able to learn and having opportunities to succeed and opportunities to enjoy themselves.
- Developing resilience and being able to solve problems.
What do we do in school?
We use Zones of Regulation to help children share how they are feeling.
Through the teaching of PSHE, children begin to understand their own and others' emotions, develop healthy copying strategies and know where to go to seek appropriate support. PSHE helps to equip pupils to adopt healthy behaviours and strategies. Children develop the qualities and attributes they need to be healthy, independent and active participants in society.
We have designated spaces around the school where pupils can go if they need some time out. We also have a designated well-being room.
Useful resources:
My self care plan - (if you are unable to print, please ask school for a copy)
| Name | Format | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Files | |||
| My self care plan primary.pdf |
How you feel matters - getting support in Milton Keynes
| Name | Format | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Files | |||
| How you feel matters - getting support in Milton Keynes.pdf |
Mindfulness activities
| Name | Format | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Files | |||
| Mindfulness activities.pdf |
Mental health week activities
| Name | Format | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Files | |||
| Mental health week activities.pdf |
Useful websites:
A daily dose of nature can improve your well-being
WWF - A prescription for nature
Anna Freud
A mental health charity for children and families
Young Minds
Help and advice
Action for Happiness
Prioritising happiness and kindness
Place2be
Children's Mental Health Charity
Public Health England
Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
