Mental Health & Well-being at John T. Rice

Mental Health & Well-being Lead- Mrs Clare Renshaw

ELSA Teaching Assistant- Ms Shelley Snood

Speech and language specialist TA - Ms Shelley Snood

Mental Health & Well- Being is a high priority for pupils and staff at John T. Rice. Mrs Renshaw leads in this area in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team. Many staff are trained in delivering specific interventions with the children, including sensory circuits and social stories. Some TAs are trained in areas such as ELSA, Lego Therapy, and Talk & Draw therapy. 

All staff foster a supportive and nurturing environment in their classrooms, with structured class routines, clear and consistent boundaries, positive reinforcement and praise, and time given to develop good relationships with all children.

All classes take part in Wellbeing Wednesday and practise mindfulness, breathing exercises and yoga to support their well-being. Children are taught about emotions through the Jigsaw PSHE scheme and the Zones of Regulation, and each class has the family of Mood Monsters to help the children express how they feel in certain situations. There are also Well Done Assemblies each week to celebrate children’s achievements.

At John T. Rice we recognise the value of the outdoor environment and the positive impact it can have on Mental Health. We have established a Forest School and all classes have the opportunity to spend time in this environment every 2 weeks throughout the year.

Staff well-being is really important at John T. Rice and we expect that all staff are treated with respect by pupils, parents and their peers. Staff work incredibly hard with all children in school and the leadership team ensure that they are supported well and that CPD meets their needs. Staff have termly Wellbeing meetings with a member of the leadership team, and the Headteacher is always available for staff to talk to. There are also various informal staff events which staff can choose to be involved with.

Information about supporting children's mental health:

www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk

www.youngminds.org.uk

www.place2be.org.uk

www.mind.org.uk

Teaching Wellbeing linked with RHE at John T. Rice Infant school

It is our belief at John T. Rice Infant and Nursery school that in order for children to be effective learners they first need to feel safe and secure. Their well being, emotions and relationships need to be supported fully. 

From the very first day the children start in Nursery we actively promote wellbeing. Staff work hard to form strong relationships with children and it is from these relationships that deeper understanding of where they fit within the world comes from.  

All children in school are taught the Jigsaw scheme and focus upon relationships and understanding the world in which they live. Further to this, children are taught about feelings and emotions and how each different emotion makes the body feel.  The children are introduced to the Mood Monsters, which helps them understand and make sense of those different emotions. This supports our Behaviour and Regulation policy. 

Each class in school has a recognition board and staff and children are actively encouraged to promote positivity towards each other by explaining why someone should be added to the board.

Wellbeing Wednesday:

Every Wednesday, for 15-20mins, the children experience a range of different strategies which help support them in their wellbeing. 

1. Breathing - learning how to focus on breathing, its natural rhythm and flow and the way it feels on each inhale and exhale.
2. Outdoors - learning to appreciate the wonders of the world by going outside and being at one with nature.
3. Yoga - taking part in a form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing.
4. Music - listening to music and reacting to it
5. Mark-making / colouring - using creative resources to help pay attention to the present moment.
6. Sensory - using senses to explore different objects.

There are many ways you can support children's wellbeing at home and a few of the useful links are below:

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrwfp4j (How can I talk to my kids about their emotions)
• https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/ (Looking after a child's mental health)
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/five-ways-to-help-childrens-wellbeing/zfb2d6f
• https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/back-to-school/childrens-well-being-and-mental-health
• https://www.healthyyoungmindsinherts.org.uk/five-ways-wellbeing
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF7Ou43Vj6c