Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental Health and Wellbeing

At The Richard Clarke First School, we believe that mental health and emotional wellbeing are just as important as physical health. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels valued, heard, and able to thrive. Our approach is based on kindness, respect, and resilience, helping children to understand and express their emotions in positive ways. We work closely with families and specialist services to ensure the best support for each child. Together, we can nurture happy, confident learners who are ready to take on life’s challenges. Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.

At our school, some of the ways we promote a positive mental health environment are through:

• Fostering strong, supportive relationships between staff, children, and families
• Encouraging kindness through daily interactions and school values
• Teaching about mental health and wellbeing across the curriculum.
• Involving children in planning and decisions through the mental health and wellbeing council.
• Celebrating academic and non-academic achievements in order to promote self-esteem
• Training staff in mental health first aid and wellbeing awareness
• Providing creative, physical and wellbeing outlets in our wrap around provision
• Promoting healthy lifestyles through the curriculum, assemblies and interaction

We offer different levels of support at RCFS

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 which can be met by their class teacher.

Targeted support – For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such as wellbeing groups.

Referred support – where school may seek support externally to provide the best support for your child.

Lead staff members to contact if you are concerned about your child’s mental health: 

In the first instance- your child’s class teacher

Other staff: Mrs Hanson (SENDCO), Mrs Austin (SENDCO), Mrs Read (Mental health and wellbeing lead)

Miss Wain (Miss Hartshorne covering maternity leave) is our PSHE lead and Mrs Murray runs our mental health and wellbeing intervention support.

RCFS Mental Health and Wellbeing policy

Forest School promotes resilience, confidence and self esteem while also promoting the benefits of spending time outdoors and being active.
Children across the school are invited to participate in sport competitions
Promoting healthy eating- teaching children to prepare and cook vegetables in D&T
Celebrating different aspects of children’s time at school including their learning and achievements at our wrap around provision
Celebrating teamwork through our house teams
Building resilience, confidence and self esteem through trips and visits, including the year 4’s residential to Condover Hall
Promoting global citizenship through fundraising across the year including collecting foodbank donations at our Harvest Festival

Useful links

Signs That a Child Is Suffering From Mental Health Issues | NSPCC