At MPL Primary School, we aim to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for our whole school community (children, staff, parents and carers), and recognise how important mental health and emotional wellbeing is to our lives in just the same way as physical health. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play.  

 

The Department for Education (DfE) recognises that: “in order to help their children succeed; schools have a role to play in supporting them to be resilient and mentally healthy”. MPL offers a nurturing and supportive environment that has the potential to develop self-esteem and give children positive experiences for overcoming adversity and building resilience.

At MPL we want our children to be able to manage times of change and stress.  We aim to support them to reach their potential and also access help when they need it. We also have a role to ensure that children learn about what they can do to maintain positive mental health, what affects their mental health, how they can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and where they can go if they need help and support

 

At MPL we:

• help children to understand their emotions and feelings better                             
• help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
• help children socially to form and maintain relationships
• promote self esteem and ensure children know that they count
• encourage children to be confident and be risk takers
• help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks 
• promote and value positive mental health
• do not tolerate bullying

 

At MPL we offer a range of levels of support:

• Universal Support - To meet the needs of all our pupils  through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum. For instance developing resilience for all.
• Additional support - For those who may have short term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement.  
• Targeted support   For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such as wellbeing groups or personal mentors.

 

Lead staff members:

Nicola Funnell: Mental Health Lead and Mental Health First Aider

Elaine Appleford, Sophie Ives, Siobhan Dormer: Mental Health First Aider