Wellbeing

Mental Health at St John the Baptist School

At our school we work closely with the Mental Health Support Team –  Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to provide the best possible support for our children. They are a team of Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) Cognitive Behaviour Therapists and Special Practitioners who aim to work alongside young people and their families for a short period to provide strategies to manage wellbeing and promote good emotional health. Their hope is that by being in schools they will support early identification of these needs and equip and empower young people at the right time. If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health please see Mrs Bloom to discuss a referral to the Mental Health Team. For more information the on Mental Health Team please click the link below.

https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/camhs-mental-health-support-teams

Mental Health Support Teams in schools

Find out more about the Mental Health Support Teams in Gedling, Rushcliffe and Mansfield and Ashfield.

Coming up next for the Mental Health Team in our school…

  • Thursday 13th October 2022 –  Parent introduction workshop Teams – 5pm
  • Wednesday 16th November – Sleep Hygiene sessions –  Years 5&6  – MHST  workshops 9.30am -11.30am
  • WB: 16.02.23 Mental Health Week – MHST to run sessions with classes
  • Feb 7th  2023   – MHST Stand at parents evening
  • 7th March 2023 –  SATs Wellbeing preparation support for Y6

Let’s Connect | Children’s Mental Health Week 2023

Sleep workshop for parents and carers of primary age children

Vicki and Tracy, who work in the Mental Health Support Teams in schools talk about how much sleep your child needs and how you can help them get a good night’s sleep

ELSA

At our school, support for mental health can also be accessed through our ELSA lead, Mrs Whitt. Mrs Whitt is a fully trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists, who apply their professional knowledge of children’s social and emotional development to areas of need experienced by pupils.

An ELSA is a warm and caring person who wants to help your child feel happy in school and to reach their potential educationally. Their aim is to remove the barriers to learning and to have happy children in school and at home.

There will always be children and young people in school facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage with learning, and some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. When our children find themselves struggling and encounter difficulties with their emotional health our ELSA Mrs Whitt will be there to listen, provide additional TLC and support. To do this she will plan and deliver programmes of support and these can be delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. ELSA sessions take place in our very own ‘tranquility room’ which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.

ELSAs can help with

  • Loss and bereavement
  • Self-esteem
  • Social Skills
  • Emotions
  • Friendship issues
  • Relationships
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Conflict
  • Relaxation Techniques

Useful Resources For Parents

Mental Health Support for Adults

Self-Referral to CAMHS and MHST via Single Point of Access. Talk to your Mental Health Lead (Mrs Bloom)  if you would like your child to be referred to the MHST. https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/camhs-self-referral

Recommended Reading Infant and Primary

  • Helping Your Child with Fears and Worries – Cathy Creswell & Lucy Willets (anxiety)
  • The Incredible Years – Webster-Stratton (challenging behaviour)
  • Starving the (anxiety, depression, stress, anger, or exam stress) Gremlin – Kate CollinsDonnelly
  • You’re a Star/ Don’t Worry be Happy/ Be Strong / Be Yourself / Be Brave / Sometimes I’m Anxious – Poppy O’Neill (workbooks for kids)
  • The Mindful Kids Collection – Dr Sharie Coombes (workbooks for kids)

Government Publication