Mental Health

We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health.

At Goffs Oak Primary School we take supporting children and families with mental health seriously. Our aim is to ensure that we promote good mental health across the whole school including: staff, governors, parents and pupils. We encourage our children to develop strategies for good mental health and create environments in which they can flourish. PSHE lessons provide safe spaces for children to discuss general issues and to recommend healthy ways to work through them.

Research

An NHS survey from 2017 showed that:

Half of those with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14.
In 2017 one in eight 5 to 19 year olds had a mental disorder.
One in 20 (5%) of 5 to 19 year olds met the criteria for two or more mental disorders at the time.

Emotional disorders have become more common rising from 4.3% in 1999 to 5.8% in 2017.

Wellbeing

We use the 5 Ways to Wellbeing to support the mental health of everyone involved with Goffs Oak Primary School.

Connect - Feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.

Keep Learning - Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.

Be Active - Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.

Give - Engagement in social and community life encourages a greater interest in helping others, developing happiness in those who participate.

Take Notice – Reflection on feelings and an awareness of the surrounding world promotes the importance of taking time out to enjoy the here and now.

   11th-17th February
   Feeling Good Week was a Hertfordshire-wide event that encouraged schools and the wider
   community to promote children and young people’s emotional wellbeing by raising
   awareness of mental health.
   During the afternoons the children focused on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and how each of the elements pieced together to create a positive sense of welfare. A range of activities were covered including yoga, mindfulness, food tasting, first aid, cooking and a visit to the local Day Care Centre at Cuffley. There was also a class assembly delivered by Year 6 at the end of the week which summarized the events of the week and the importance of keeping our minds as healthy as our bodies.

This school wide event was thoroughly enjoyed by children and staff and feedback was positive and encouraging. We continue to promote this sense of good health throughout every school day.

On Tuesday 11th June Year 5/6 were visited Tom from Retune, a company which work with schools to promote wellbeing.
The children were given the opportunity to promote their wellbeing and mindfulness through live music and explored song writing as a strategy, based on the themes they raised themselves. They were encouraged to explore the links between creativity and emotional resilience.
A thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking experience for all.

Websites Offering Support for Parents / Carers

Top tips for parents

Information and support on mental health

Advice and courses to support parents and carers

Advice on everyday mental health and wellbeing