Mental Health & Wellbeing

 

A Rights Respecting Approach to Mental Health 

At our school, mental health and wellbeing are central to who we are. As a Rights Respecting School, our approach is grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and reflects our commitment to equality, dignity, and inclusion for every child.

We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, valued, listened to, and respected. Promoting positive mental health supports children to develop confidence, resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging—key foundations for learning and for life.

This work sits alongside and strengthens our anti-racist practice: recognising that children’s identities, lived experiences, and rights all matter, and that wellbeing cannot be separated from fairness and justice. 

Message to our Children 

  • You have rights
  • Your feelings matter.
  • You deserve to feel safe and supported
  • There is always someone who will listen and help
  • Together, we are building a rights-respecting school where every child can thrive. 

Children’s Rights and Mental Health 

Our mental health and wellbeing provision is closely linked to children’s rights, including: 

  • Article 12 – Children have the right to express their views and be listened to 
  • Article 19 – Children have the right to be protected from harm 
  • Article 24 – Children have the right to the best possible health, including mental health 
  • Article 29 – Education should develop every child’s personality, talents, and abilities 

Children are taught about these rights in an age-appropriate way and are encouraged to see themselves as appropriate way and are encouraged to see themselves as rightsholders, while also understanding the responsibilities we all share. 
 
What Is Mental Health? 

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and cope with everyday life. Children experience a wide range of emotions, and all feelings are valid. 

We teach children that: 

  • Everyone has mental health, just like physical health
  • Feelings can change and that is normal 
  • It is okay to talk about worries or big emotions 
  • Asking for help is a positive and courageous step 

How We Promote Wellbeing in School 

We take a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.

Curriculum and Learning 

  • Mental health and wellbeing are taught through PSHE, Learn Together, and values based assemblies 
  • Children learn to recognise, name, and manage feelings 
  • Teaching promotes resilience, growth mindset, empathy, and self-worth 
  • Learning reflects children’s identities and experiences, helping them feel represented and included 

School Culture 

  • A calm, respectful, and inclusive environment where children feel they belong 
  • Clear routines and expectations that help children feel safe 
  • Positive relationships between pupils and staff 
  • A strong emphasis on kindness, fairness, and respect for others 

Understanding and Managing Emotions 

From the moment children start school at Somerdale, they are taught how to recognise, understand, and manage their emotions. This early and consistent support helps children to develop emotional awareness, self-regulation, and resilience. 

This learning is delivered through our Zones of Regulation curriculum, which provides children with a shared language to talk about their feelings and understand how emotions can affect behaviour and learning. Children are supported to identify which zone they are in and to use appropriate strategies to help them regulate their emotions. 

Children are also supported by our Learning Mentor, who is a trained Thrive practitioner. The Learning Mentor works with individual children and small groups to support mental health and wellbeing, build emotional resilience, and help children develop positive coping strategies. 

Children are supported to: 

  • Recognise different emotions in themselves and others 
  • Understand how emotions can affect behaviour and learning 
  • Use strategies to calm themselves and regulate emotions 
  • Know when and how to ask for help 

We recognise that children may experience stress, worry, or anxiety at different times and that support needs to be timely, sensitive, and individual. 

Additional Support for Children 

Some children may need extra help with their mental health or emotional wellbeing. 

Support may include: 

  • Pastoral support from trained staff 
  • Small group or one-to-one support 
  • Safe spaces for reflection or regulation 
  • Close communication with families 

Where appropriate, we work with external professionals to ensure children receive the right support at the right time. 
 
Inclusion, Identity, and Belonging 

A strong sense of identity and belonging is essential for good mental health.

We: 

  • Value every child’s background, culture, language, and lived experience 
  • Challenge discrimination, bullying, and prejudice in all forms 
  • Recognise that experiences of racism or exclusion can impact mental health 
  • Ensure our wellbeing support is inclusive and culturally aware 

This reflects our commitment to being an equality based, child centred school where no child is an outsider. 

Children’s Voice 

Children’s views are central to our wellbeing work. 

We provide opportunities for pupils to: 

  • Share their feelings, ideas, and concerns 
  • Take part in discussions about wellbeing 
  • Help shape a positive and caring school environment 

Children are reminded that their voices matter and that adults will listen and respond. 

How Children Can Ask for Support 

Children are encouraged to seek help in ways that feel comfortable for them. These include: 

  • Wilbur the Worry Monster – children can share worries privately by posting them to Wilbur 
  • Pupil Voice Box – a safe way for children to share concerns, ideas, or worries
  • Pupil Voice Groups – opportunities to talk, listen, and help shape school life 
  • Talking to a trusted adult – such as a teacher, teaching assistant, or another member of staff 

Working in Partnership with Families 

We believe children’s mental health is best supported when school and homework together. 
We: 

  • Build open, trusting relationships with families
  • Share information and guidance to support wellbeing at home 
  • Listen carefully to parents’ and carers’ concerns 
  • Work collaboratively to support each child 

If You Are Worried About Your Child 

If you have concerns about your child’s mental health or emotional wellbeing, please contact the school. We will listen, offer support, and work with you confidentially and sensitively to agree next steps. 
 
Useful Links for Supporting Children’s Mental Health 

Families may find the following organisations and resources helpful for supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing: 

If you would like further advice or support, please contact the school and we will be happy to help.