Mental Health and Well-being
Mental Health and Wellbeing Team
Keith Robertson – Mental Health Lead
Abigail Reily – Mental Health First Aider
At Conway Primary School, we are committed to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing for all members of our school community. We believe it is important for children to understand that, just like physical health, everyone has mental health, and it is something that should be nurtured, supported, and talked about openly.
We support children in recognising and understanding their emotions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and how these can influence one another. Through age-appropriate discussions and learning opportunities, children develop an understanding of how their emotional wellbeing can affect their daily experiences, relationships, and learning.
We also help children recognise the connection between physical sensations and emotional responses. For example, just as their heart may beat faster after exercise, it can also do so when they are excited, nervous, anxious, or frightened. Understanding these connections helps children develop emotional awareness and resilience.
By encouraging children to explore and discuss their feelings in a safe and supportive environment, we help them understand that experiencing a range of emotions is a normal part of life. Open and positive conversations in classrooms, dining areas, and playgrounds help reduce stigma and promote the message that mental health is something we all have and should actively look after.
Importantly, we encourage children to recognise when they may need support and to feel confident in seeking help from trusted adults. Developing these skills empowers pupils to manage challenges effectively and builds a strong foundation for lifelong wellbeing.
How We Support Mental Health at Conway Primary School
At Conway Primary School, we firmly believe that happy, healthy children are better able to learn, achieve, and thrive. We recognise that a child's wellbeing is influenced by their environment, relationships, and daily experiences, and therefore take a whole-school approach to promoting positive mental health.
Our mental health and wellbeing provision extends beyond pupils to include staff, parents, carers, and families. We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing community where everyone feels valued and able to access help when needed.
All staff receive regular training in safeguarding, children's mental health, and personal wellbeing. Clear procedures are in place to identify and respond to potential mental health concerns at an early stage. These systems include robust referral pathways, appropriate support mechanisms, and clear lines of accountability to ensure that children and families receive the help they need.
Through our proactive approach, we strive to create an environment where wellbeing is prioritised, positive relationships are fostered, and every member of our school community can flourish.
Mental Health Support
We hope you find this page a useful tool that may support you or your child's well-being. There are numerous local and national agencies that can support with mental wellbeing in the local community, and links to these can be found below. Please note, Conway Primary School is not the owner or creator of the resources listed below, and it should be noted that content is used at your own risk.
Link to the Royal Borough of Greenwich Local Offer
https://www.greenwichcommunitydirectory.org.uk/kb5/greenwich/directory/home.page
Greenwich Time to Talk
Website: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/advice-and-guidance/greenwich-time-talk-iapt1/
Description: Time to Talk is part of a national programme called Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). It is for people with mild problems of anxiety or depression who are motivated to work to change the problem.
Greenwich Community Directory
Key stages: all families
Description: Resources to support families, provided by the Greenwich Community Directory.
HeadScape
Website: https://headscapegreenwich.co.uk/
Key stages: Key stages 1 and 2
Description: HeadScape is a 'one stop' source of self-help about a range of mental health issues and conditions for young people to browse at leisure.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Website: https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation for children. Interactive adventures which build strength, balance and confidence - and get kids into yoga and mindfulness early!
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/coronavirus-support/support-for-early-years/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: wellbeing advice for all those supporting children and young people.
British Psychological Society (BPS)
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on dealing with school closures and talking to children about COVID-19.
Children’s Commissioner
Website: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a downloadable guide for children about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Click View
Website: www.clickview.co.uk/free
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: activities to support areas of wellbeing including resilience, mental health and emotions, for primary-aged students.
JMB Education
Website: https://www.jmbeducation.com/
Key stages: key stage 1 to key stage 3
Description: mindfulness activities, soundscapes and musicscapes to help children focus on their feelings, thoughts and environment.
MindEd
Website: https://www.minded.org.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: an educational resource for all adults on children and young people’s mental health.
Muddy Faces
Website: https://muddyfaces.co.uk/outdoor-hub/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a range of health and wellbeing activities and resources that can be completed outdoors.
The Child Bereavement Network
Website: http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/schools.aspx
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on supporting grieving children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus-bereavement-and-grief
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on supporting grieving children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Unicef UK
Key stages: all children including adults
Description: advice on supporting grieving children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Samaritans
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Samaritans are there if you need someone to talk to, they will listen. They won't judge or tell you what to do.