Bathampton Primary School
EverybodyBelongs ~ Aspires ~ Thrives
Mental Health and Wellbeing at Bathampton
At Bathampton Primary Learning School we are committed to supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our children and staff. We encourage our children to embody the school values of Respect, Curiosity, Creativity, Kindness, Resilience and Teamwork and promote an inclusive environment in which each pupil can flourish. We have an ethos of high expectations and recognise that all our pupils need a solid foundation of positive mental health to succeed. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and that at times we might all need additional support. We believe good mental health is everyone’s concern and all of us have a role to play in supporting this.
At our school we:
- Help children to use their curiosity in understanding their emotions and feelings.
- Support children feel part of our team, feeling comfortable sharing concerns and worries.
- Help children to be kind, forming good relationships across the school.
- Promote self-esteem and respect for themselves, helping children understand that they matter.
- Encourage children to be confident and creative, willing to try new things.
- Help children to develop resilience and handle emotional setbacks.
Lead Staff Members:
Lizzie Thorn– Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead/PSHE Lead
Jo Candlish– SENDCO
Naomi Boyce – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Pupil Premium Lead (PPL)
Alex Dodgson – Physical Education Lead and Outdoor Learning Lead
Kerry Kelly – Lead Thrive practitioner
Together, these experienced lead professionals work with class teachers and support staff to promote mental health and wellbeing awareness across our school. We are committed to helping our children to build confidence and resilience and to ensure they are aware of the importance of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.
- Stay connected.
- Be Active.
- Keep learning.
- Take notice/be mindful.
- Give to others.
To find out more about The 5 ways to wellbeing please watch the video below.
5 Ways to Wellbeing
At Bathampton Primary school, we have access to Thrive assessment, School Nurse service, CAMHS, Mentoring Plus, Brighter Futures and school professionals work with families to determine whether these additional services might be useful for their child.
As a school we get embrace special events and awareness weeks which help to raise the profile and support our children to look after their mental and physical health. These include; Health and Wellness Week, Safer Internet Week, Anti Bullying Week, Road Safety Week, NSPCC events amongst many others.
Activity Ambassadors
We have a team of Activity Ambassadors who support playtimes through promoting positive play. They promote and encourage inclusion and safety in the playground. To encourage friendships, friendship benches are located throughout school and are used by children of all ages.
Year 6 Buddy System
At Bathampton we are very proud of our Year 6 buddy system. Each Reception child is paired with a Year 6 pupil at the start of every academic year. This partnership ensures our new Reception children have a warm welcome to our school and enables our Year 6s to demonstrate our key values of kindness and respect.
Thrive at Bathampton
Here at Bathampton Primary School we know the value of supporting the emotional needs of the pupils within our care. Both inside and outside of the classroom, we recognise the importance of children feeling emotionally settled and secure, so that they are able to properly access learning.
In addition, we have a dedicated member of staff who works directly with children on a timetabled basis. Through the Thrive programme, we support children’s emotional development through play, creativity and the arts. We support our pupils on an individual basis and in small groups, using Thrive activities and support. Using the Thrive approach helps make the most of pupil’s learning opportunities, helping our pupils become more resilient and open to learning.
To learn more about The Thrive Approach please see the parent's guide or visit the thrive website below.
Mindfullness
At Bathampton, we recognise the importance of mindfulness techniques our children can use both inside and outside of the classroom. As part of our PSHE using JIGSAW, every class practices mindfulness using our chimes weekly. Mindfulness is a gentle technique which focuses on simple breathing exercises. It involves us directing our attention to our experience as it unfolds, moment by moment, with open-minded curiosity and acceptance.
Rather than worrying about what has happened or what might happen, it trains us to respond skilfully to whatever is happening right now, be that good or bad. It provides children with the tool to strengthen and protect themselves from anxieties or difficult emotions. Mindfulness training has been proven time and time again to improve health and wellbeing. It also helps people of all ages to learn more effectively, think more clearly, perform better and to feel calmer, less anxious and depressed.
Mindfulness is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and it is now increasingly being used in business and schools to improve concentration, well-being and satisfaction. It is used in sports training to improve performance. Recent research has shown using it with young children in schools enhances learning.
Forest School and Outdoor Learning
Forest School and Outdoor Learning are a huge part of who we are at Bathampton and improving children's wellbeing. We make the most of fantastic learning opportunities in the school’s amazing fields, woods, grounds and wider community. All classes have a Forest School session each term that embraces child led learning and makes links to the wider curriculum. For more information on our forest school and outdoor learning please click the link below.
Bereavement
Winston’s wish support grieving children and young people after the death of someone important. Please click on the link below, to find some useful information on bereavement.
Place 2 be
Place 2 be is a free online resource featuring practical advice and tried-and-tested tips for parents and carers of primary age children. Covers mealtimes, anxiety, issues with friends, online safety. Lots of short video clips to watch to gain advice and ideas.
Click the link below, to find out more.