Mental Health and Wellbeing

In our school community we have an ethos that values emotional wellbeing and prioritises supporting mental health needs. We have developed a culture that promotes:

Compassion and kindness instead of blame and shame
Hope instead of hopelessness
Connection and belonging rather than disconnection.

Working together with parents is the best way to ensure children develop the skills to build and maintain good mental health. The following links and resources are for parents to access mental health support, find information about how to help their children and discover resources that they can use at home with their child.

In-School Contacts for Mental Health and Well Being

Suzanne Chamberlain, SENCO and Senior Mental Health Lead
Heather Clark, Deputy Headteacher and Senior Mental Health Lead
James Garlick, Headteacher and Safeguarding Lead

Support Signposting

https://hubofhope.co.uk/ – Customisable directory of local mental health support

Anxiety Resources

Behaviour Resources

Challenging behaviour guide

Healthy Lifestyles resources

Mental health information for parents

Parent Tips

Regulation and mindfulness resources

Well Being resources

Helpful Links

https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/about-us Essex child and family wellbeing service

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z863cxs Five tips to handle the after school ‘meltdown’.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/ Online safety advice

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ Tips, information and advice for parents who are worried about their child’s mental health

https://www.familylives.org.uk/ Crisis support for parents

www.kidsinspire.org.uk A children’s mental health charity offering trauma recovery services for the family

https://www.mind.org.uk/ Free mental health support adult support

https://www.place2be.org.uk/ Mental health charity working with pupils, families and staff

https://wildernessfoundation.org.uk/

www.inspirewellbeing.org Information and support for mental health

https://nipinthebud.org/ Child Mental Health Resources for Parents and Teachers

Book recommendations

The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children by Ross W Green PhD

Research-based approach to understanding and parenting children who frequently exhibit severe fits of temper and other challenging behaviours.

Think Good, Feel Good by Paul Stallard 

A book of CBT style exercises that can be done with children and young people. 

The Little Book of Growing Up by Vic Parker

Pocket book of information on adolescence and puberty for girls.

The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas

International bestseller that helps young children identify emotions.

My Hidden Chimp by Prof. Steve Peters

TEN habits can help children to understand and manage their emotions and behaviour.

The Kids Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control by Lauren Brukner

Packed with simple ideas to regulate the emotions and senses.

How to be a Superhero Called Self-Control by Lauren Brukner

Super powers to help younger children to regulate their emotions and senses.

Parents and carers are overwhelmingly effusive about the school and all that it provides for their children. One parent, who summed up the views of many, stated: ‘Great Leighs is an amazing school. The school has a friendly, nurturing atmosphere which allows children to flourish physically, socially and emotionally as well as grow intellectually. I feel the school works well with parents, keeping us informed on pupil progress. All members of the teaching staff as well as the headteacher are approachable, always having their door open to listen.’

Joan Beale - Ofsted Inspector

Pupils’ behaviour was judged to be outstanding at the time of the previous inspection and this remains the case. Their behaviour in lessons and around the school during my inspection was exemplary.

Joan Beale – Ofsted Inspector

Its values are reflected and celebrated across all aspects of school life.

The school vision of ‘Grow, Learn, Persevere and Succeed’ is at the heart of its work.

Great Leighs School provides a welcoming, caring and inclusive environment where each child is treated as an individual.

We are always very happy!

A pupil

I like the tournaments and events e.g. .Boys/girls football tournaments/matches.

I can share worries

The school lunches are nice and the people are friendly.

I feel safe and looked after

Everyone is nice, lessons are fun, everyone is kind, everyone is helpful, English lessons, Science lessons, reading, Maths, R.E, Phonics, Fish Philosophy.

We love it when visitors come in like the firemen.

There is fun equipment to play on.

The lessons are good..

We like keeping healthy - the school dinners are healthy

The teachers help you if you are stuck in any subject.

The main strength at this school is the teachers. They are so kind and I can trust them.

The best thing about the school is that all the teachers take care of us. All the lessons are really fun especially Mr Garlick's!

Friendly students, good teachers and a fine environment.