Mental Health and Well-being

Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing at St Giles Church of England Primary School

At St Giles, we believe that every child is a precious gift from God, and their emotional wellbeing is central to their growth, learning, and happiness. We are committed to nurturing a school environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported in every aspect of their mental health.

Click here to watch Talking Mental Health (YouTube)

We recognise that life brings challenges, and at times, children and adults alike may need extra support. That’s why we take a whole-school approach to mental health, ensuring that wellbeing is woven into our daily life, curriculum, and relationships. We encourage and support children with developing their own healthy habits – you can find some ideas here:

Our Vision for Wellbeing

Mental health is a crucial aspect of a child's overall wellbeing and can significantly impact their ability to learn, develop, and thrive. At St Giles Primary School, promoting mental health and wellbeing is a priority to create a nurturing and supportive environment for all pupils.  We offer resources and guidance on a range of topics to help children and families navigate emotional wellbeing:

Our Mental Health Team

Led by our SENDCO and Inclusion Leaders, our dedicated team ensures mental health is prioritised across the school. We follow guidance from Keeping Children Safe in Education and offer:

• A whole-school approach involving staff, pupils, families, and the wider community.
• A designated senior mental health lead to coordinate support.
• Staff training to recognise and respond to mental health needs.
• Partnerships with external agencies for specialist support.
• A safe and inclusive environment where children feel heard and cared for.
• Parent engagement through workshops and open communication.

Levels of Support We Offer

• Universal Support – Promoting resilience and wellbeing for all pupils.
• Additional Support – For children facing short-term challenges like bereavement.
• Targeted Support – Tailored interventions such as wellbeing groups or mentoring.

Key Contacts

If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, please reach out to:

• Mrs Rachel Binney – SENDCO
• Mrs Amelia Stanley – Head of School
• Miss Laura Parkes – Deputy SENDCO
• Mr Matt Loader – Executive Headteacher

Click the links below for more information, video clips and support:

• Anger Management-  Explore the Anger Iceberg to understand the emotions beneath anger.
• Anxiety - Learn how anxiety differs from stress and how to support children experiencing it.
• Bereavement and Loss - Grief is a natural response to loss. We offer support and resources to help children process their emotions.
• Bullying - Bullying affects emotional health. We teach children to speak up and support one another.
• Depression and Low Mood - Recognising signs of low mood and depression helps us support children early.
• Self-Esteem and Confidence - We help children build a positive self-image and resilience.
• Sleep - Sleep is vital for wellbeing. 
• Stress - Stress can affect individuals, families, and communities.
• Childhood Trauma and the Brain - Understand how trauma affects brain development.