Mental health and Wellbeing

Mental Health is a state of wellbeing 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 Organisation)    

At Radcliffe on Trent Infant and Nursery School, we aim to promote positive mental wellbeing for all our pupils, staff, families, and the community. Our Inclusion Team and Wellbeing Team meet regularly to review all aspects of provision and support in school, and discuss how we can continue to improve wellbeing for all members of our school community. In addition to promoting positive mental wellbeing, we aim to recognise and respond to poor mental health. We recognise that children in all classes may be experiencing challenges with mental health issues.

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

Supporting Pupils

 We believe we have a key role to play in promoting children's positive mental health and wellbeing. Our school has developed a range of strategies and approaches including:

• Transition support between classes and to Radcliffe on Trent Junior School                       
• Quiet calm areas in all classrooms    
• Positive play opportunities at playtimes lead by a trained member of staff
• Forest School provision
• PSHE - JIGSAW
• ELSA and dedicated Inclusion Team
• Circle Times
• Daily outdoor run
• Quality Before and After School provision
• Promoting healthy lifestyles through diet and exercise to support mental health and well-being
• Mental Health Lead in school

Our School Approach

Our approach supports social and emotional development through a balanced and well planned and supported curriculum, clear values and ethos, enhanced outdoor provision, quality continuous provision, and a nurturing environment. 

We aim to provide:

• Support for children and families 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.

• Embed our Rainbow Values in every aspect of school life and provision.

This page is designed to share with you some ideas of things you could do with your child to promote their well-being and mental health.  

It may promote topics to discuss around feelings and emotions. It's good to talk!

Find below some links to websites / resources you may find useful.

Well Being News Letter

Each term we will publish a news letter with a wellbeing focus. It will be aimed at both parents and children and contain tips, activities, positive words, and practical suggestions on how to engage with both self support and external support sources as and if required. 

ELSA Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

My name is Naomi Smith and I am Inclusion Manager and the school ELSA. Under the title of Inclusion Manager I work throughout the school, with children from Nursery to Year Two.

As an ELSA, my role is to support children with all aspects of their emotional literacy, and in turn work with parents to ensure their child's emotional wellbeing is supported in school and at home. I have been trained by the Nottinghamshire Educational Psychology Service and can work with children on a wide range of needs and feelings which may include loss, anxiety, attachment, self esteem, friendship, social interactions,  anger, and a range of behavioural issues. 

If there are any concerns you may have about your child, please feel free to contact me:

inclusion@rotins.notts.sch.uk

0115 9112991

The above power point presentation provides you with some information on the principles of ELSA and how it can support children in school. Feel free to explore the presentation. If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything regarding ELSA, please feel free to contact Naomi Smith by telephone or email.