Here at St Oswald’s, we believe that good mental health and wellbeing is the cornerstone of everything we do.  When we have good mental health and wellbeing, we are ready to cope with the challenges that life throws us.  Positive mental health in school ensures that a child can learn, enjoy and fulfil their potential. 

We recognise that mental health, as well as physical health, can change and fluctuate from day to day.  Fortunately, there is far more knowledge and understanding around mental health and wellbeing and strategies to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing are plentiful. 

Promoting well-being 

Here at St Oswald’s, we believe that good mental health and wellbeing is the cornerstone of everything we do.  When we have good mental health and wellbeing, we are ready to cope with the challenges that life throws us.  Positive mental health in school ensures that a child can learn, enjoy and fulfil their potential. 

We recognise that mental health, as well as physical health, can change and fluctuate from day to day.  Fortunately, there is far more knowledge and understanding around mental health and wellbeing and strategies to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing are plentiful. 

Promoting well-being 

Worry Box 

In the hall there is a ‘Worry Box’ and children are encouraged to share any worries or questions that they have by putting them into the box. These are monitored by staff and discussed sensitively individually or during class reflection time. 

Relaxation Station 

We have a quieter space outside which children can access during breaktimes when they would prefer a quiet alternative to the school yard. Children can take part in quiet activities such as reading, writing or drawing or just chatting with friends and relaxing! 

Outdoor Play 

As a school new to OPAL, we are building our outdoor play provision, creating zones for different kinds of play. 

Physical Fitness 

All classes have timetabled PE during the week which is delivered by qualified sports coaches or class teachers. Sports include: dance, gymnastics, invasion games, hockey, swimming, football, athletics and many more. 

School Dinner 

Our school dinners are cooked on site and are designed to meet the standards for schools set by the Food Standard Agency. Children can select from different main dinner options (at least one is a vegetarian option), jacket potato with salad or sandwiches. Children are offered water or milk to drink with their school dinner. Menus are available on our website. 

Packed Lunches 

We ask that you provide your child with healthy food options. Packed lunches should not contain sweets or chocolate. If they contain a sweet snack such as a biscuit, please monitor the amount given. Children may bring in a non-sugary drink to have with their packed lunch.  

Snacks 

All pupils in EYFS, Years 1 and 2 are offered fruit or vegetables as a snack in the morning. We encourage pupils to bring in healthy snacks of fruit, vegetables or cereal bars for eating during the morning break. 

Water 

We ask that every child has a water bottle in school every day.  Children take their bottles home each evening to ensure they are kept clean and hygienic. If a child’s bottle empties during the school day, they will be encouraged to fill it. Children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day.  

Curriculum 

We teach children about feeling good, being healthy and caring for themselves through our everyday teaching, PSHE and science lessons and through all aspects of school provision. Our aim is to: 

• enable children to understand their emotions and feelings better 
• encourage children to feel comfortable to share any concerns or worries 
• support children socially to form and maintain relationships 
• promote self-esteem and ensure children know that they count 
• inspire children to be confident and ‘dare to be different’ 
• support children to be persistent even when faced with challenges 
• encourage children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks 

Support 

We know that at times children and adults may require additional support and advice to help them maintain a balance in their lives.  We have recently been working with RISE to support our children and families.  RISE works in schools and colleges across Newcastle and Gateshead to support children and young people (aged 5-18) with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.  Checkout their website: Well-being resources | RISE | The Children’s Society (childrenssociety.org.uk) which has resources on the following topics: 

• Anger 
• Anxiety 
• Emotion Regulation 
• Low Mood 
• Mindfulness 
• Self-care 
• Self-esteem 
• Sleep 
• Stress 

We run nurture groups in school at lunchtimes to help support those children who benefit from small group sessions. 

We have a Rainbows team to run bereavement groups or individual sessions, based on need. 

We employ a counsellor on full day a week to support children on a 1:1 basis with emotional needs. 

Advice for parents and carers 

Be there to listen – ask your child about their day and how they are doing so they get used to talking about their feelings and know there’s always someone to listen if they want it.  

Support them through difficulties – pay attention to their emotions and behaviour, and try to help them work through difficulties. If behaviour becomes challenging, be patient. 

Stay involved in their life – show interest in their life and what they like. It not only helps them value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them. 

Encourage their interests – being active or creative, learning new things and being a part of a team help connect us with others and are important ways we can all help our mental health. Support and encourage them to explore their interests, whatever they are. 

Take what they say seriously – listening to and valuing what they say, without judging their feelings, makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them process and work through their emotions in a constructive way. 

Build positive routines – we know it still may not be easy, but try to reintroduce structure around regular routines, healthy eating and exercise. A good night’s sleep is also really important – use routines that fit with school.