But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Mental Health and Well-Being
Here at All Saints Benhilton, we strive to support the development of our pupils as a whole. We place a strong emphasis on both the physical and mental health of our pupils. Through our PSHE and RE and Spiritulity curricula we share knowledge around the development of our mental health. This helps to support them as they develop and experience changes with their mental health. Our Worship and spiritual underpinning helps to provide support and positive mindsets to approach challenges (faith). Stemming from our value of love and coupled with our supportive and inclusive environment, our pupils are given the time and space to explore their emotions and feelings alongside their education.
Who do I contact if I am concerned about my child's mental health?
Class teacher, first point of contact - Adapting and refining the curriculum to respond to strengths and needs of all pupils. Monitoring progress of your child and liaising with key staff about interventions needed.
Phase leader, second point of contact - Responsibility for progress of year group and deals with concerns which cannot be dealt with by Class Teacher.
Mental Health Lead, third point of contact - Mr Owens. Co-ordinating provision for children experiencing emotional, wellbeing or mental health difficulties, developing and following the school’s Mental Health and Wellbeing policy.
Useful activities to use at home
5 4 3 2 1 Grounding exercise
This technique will take you through your five senses to help remind you of the present. This is a calming technique that can help you get through tough or stressful situations.
Take a deep belly breath to begin.
5 - LOOK: Look around for 5 things that you can see and say them out loud. For example, you could say, I see the computer, I see the cup, I see the picture frame.
4 - FEEL: Pay attention to your body and think of 4 things that you can feel and say them out loud. For example, you could say, I feel my feet warm in my socks, I feel the hair on the back of my neck, or I feel the pillow I am sitting on.
3 - LISTEN: Listen for 3 sounds. It could be the sound of traffic outside, the sound of typing or the sound of your tummy rumbling. Say the three things out loud.
2 - SMELL: Say two things you can smell. If you’re allowed to, it’s okay to move to another spot and sniff something. If you can’t smell anything at the moment or you can’t move, then name your 2 favourite smells.
1 - TASTE: Say one thing you can taste. It may be the toothpaste from brushing your teeth, or a mint from after lunch. If you can’t taste anything, then say your favourite thing to taste.
Five Steps to Feeling Calm (use this as a guide to teach your child)
- Spread your hand and stretch your fingers out like a star. You can choose your left hand or your right hand. Pretend the pointer finger of your other hand is a pencil and imagine you are going to trace around the outline of your hand and fingers.
- Start at the bottom of your thumb and slide your finger up your thumb, pause at the top, and then slide your finger down the other side. Now slide your pointer up your second finger, pause, and slide down the other side. Continue tracing your fingers up, pause, and down. Slide your finger slowly, watch your finger move and notice how it feels. Keep going until you have finished tracing your fifth finger (pinky).
- Now you are ready to add some breathing. Breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Remember to keep it slow and steady.
- Place your pointer finger at the bottom of your thumb, and breathe in as you slide up. Breathe out as you slide down. Breathe in as you slide up your second finger, and breathe out as you slide down. Keep going until you have finished tracing your fingers and you have taken five slow breaths.
- How does your body feel now? Do you feel calm or would you like to take another five?
Children's books about wellbeing and worry
- Have you filled a bucket today?
- Ruby’s worry
- Ruby finds a worry
- The huge bag of worries
- Wilma Jean and the worry machine
- The koala who could
