Mental Health

SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH

Children and young people’s mental health is regularly in the headlines and gaining
momentum on the national agenda. Woodfall Primary and Nursery School
recognises the importance of mental wellbeing and its effect on teaching and
learning. We want to help children and families who may be struggling with their
mental health.

EMOTIONAL LITERACY SUPPORT

In school we are fortunate that all staff received training on The Rest Easy Method
(before the COVID19 pandemic) and we have relaunched the approach again this
year. The Rest Easy Approach involves children naming their emotions and feelings;
once named, the emotions can be controlled. Children are taught to recognise when
their emotions are above or below their Zone of Resilience and the children are
taught methods to bring under control these emotions.
We are fortunate that so many of the staff have received ‘Next Steps’ Training, which
is designed to involve children in finding solutions to the challenges they are facing
and in addition, we have trained ‘Emotional Literacy Support’ practitioners in Mrs
Foster, Mrs Bramham and Mrs Foster Knight. They are able to offer emotional
literacy sessions which support children in understanding their emotions.
There will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that
detract from their ability to engage with learning. Some will require greater support to
increase their emotional literacy than others. ELSA is an initiative developed and
supported by educational psychologists. It recognises that children learn better and
are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.

RISE

Last year, Woodfall was fortunate to be part of a pilot scheme developed by two
Educational Psychologists, RISE (Resilience in Schools). Every child’s results from a
questionnaire was analysed and the analysis gave clear information where a child
had strengths and where a child had areas for development within the 7’C’s of
Resilience. This analysis resulted in plans of action for every child at an individual,
small group or class level.
As a result of our feedback, the questionnaires have been tweaked and once again,
the profile of resilience for the children at Woodfall is being carefully monitored and
supported.

TRAUMA INFORMED RESPONSE

Please note that all our staff are currently being trained in responding to support
families using a trauma informed approach. We, and all schools within Cheshire
West are accessing training and resources that address our school environment, our
Teaching, our Behaviour Management and Culture/Ethos. For more information
please see our ‘Ways of Working’ website here
https://westcheshirechildrenstrust.co.uk/our-way-of-working/

IDEAS AND ADVICE

This page will be updated regularly with ideas and helpful advice on how you can
help your child; for example in areas such as empathy, self-esteem or calming
techniques.
? Mindfulness is a great way to help anxious child. A great resource to support this is
Cosmic Kids Zen Den on YouTube. For more information on how to use
mindfulness techniques with your child, please speak to your child’s class teacher
who will be more than happy to pass on resources and tips.