Mental Health & Wellbeing
At the Duke of Bedford Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We have a supportive and caring ethos and our approach is respectful and kind, where each individual and contribution is valued.
Our Senior Mental Health Lead in school is Mrs K Johnson our Deputy Head. If you are concerned about the mental health or wellbeing of your child or need support for yourself, please contact Mrs Johnson via this email address: mhwbsupport@dukeofbedford.net
At our school 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.
Current systems in place in school to support children who may need to talk to someone they trust or need wellbeing support:
- Caring, understanding ethos in classrooms. All of our staff in school are prepared and encouraged to talk to children about any issues that may arise. We make sure that children know they can talk to us at any point and that no time is a bad time if they need to talk to us.
- All pupils in school have a rainbow card, this is a visual way for pupils to show an adult that they feel they need to talk to someone. Pupils can use their rainbow cards at any time during the day to signal that they need to talk, this can be to an adult from within their class or another trusted adult in school if they prefer.
- Our weekly assemblies in classrooms and as key stages plan in opportunities for pupils to discuss and learn about ways to manage feelings and emotions, we want our children to know that it is ok, not to feel ok and develop age appropriate strategies to manage their feelings in school and at home.
- Our Inclusion Lead, Mrs Holtz and Mental Health Lead, Mrs Johnson are available to children who may need further support than a conversation in classrooms. Mrs Holtz runs social groups for pupils and is also a trained Drawing and Talking facilitator and runs timetabled sessions with pupils each week.
If you would like further information on ways to support your child with their emotional health and wellbeing, the links below can offer advice and ideas.
The website, Every Mind Matters, offers advice and support on how parents can support children who are struggling with mental health or wellbeing issues. Below they outline 6 key strategies for supporting young people. Links to external support can be found through clicking on the weblink above.
Below you will find other links to websites that you may find useful in supporting your child
Keep Your Head - Cambs and Peterborough Children's and Young People Mental Health
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service
Young Minds support for young people
Kooth - Support for young people. We advise that this website is used under parental supervision.
