Mental Health and Well-being.

The Mental Health and Well-Being of our pupils is amongst our primary concerns and we have made teaching about this topic much more high profile.  A group of staff from across the city's special schools have worked together to produce policies which explain how we work to promote positive mental health and well-being in our schools. The policy is available to view by visiting the "Policies" section under "About Us" on the home page.

Combined Wellbeing

Welcome to your wellbeing

Your mental health - We care - Yours to own 

Click HERE to access the Combined Wellbeing website

How do we support well being in school?

In lessons, some groups have begun work which helps them to understand what good mental health looks like and how they can look after their own mental health, and will go on to learn about spotting the signs of mental ill-health and seeking help to put it right.

Across the school, pupils have begun to think about ways of maintaining their mental health. These ideas have used themes set out in the NHS's "five ways to wellbeing". These themes are:

• Connect – with family/ friends, colleagues and neighbours. With our pupils developing positive relationships.
• Be Active – take a walk, go cycling, play a game of football or an activity you enjoy.
• Keep Learning- learn a new skill to gain confidence and a sense of achievement.
• Give to others- even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts such as volunteering can open your social network and improve mental health.
• Be Mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. It can change the way you feel and approach challenges. 

Some child-friendly posters have been produced by "Action for Happiness" to help get the message across to our pupils.

See examples of how Mental Health and well-being is taught as part of the PSHE curriculum.