Mental Health and Wellbeing
Caring for the whole child
At St George’s, we believe that every child is precious, unique and made in the image of God. Our Catholic faith calls us to treat one another with dignity, compassion and love, creating a school community where every child feels safe, valued, included and able to flourish.
We recognise that children’s emotional wellbeing is an important part of their learning, relationships and personal development. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where children feel comfortable talking about their feelings, asking for help and knowing that they are not alone.
Our approach supports the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually — so that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.
A whole-school approach to wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing are part of everyday life at St George’s. We aim to build a culture in which positive relationships, kindness, respect and a sense of belonging help children feel secure and ready to learn.
We encourage children to recognise their emotions, develop resilience, build positive friendships and learn strategies to manage life’s challenges. Through our curriculum, collective worship, pastoral care and daily interactions, we help children understand the importance of looking after themselves and others.
We use the My Happy Mind in conjunction with One Decision (PSHE) program to specifically support children in developing their understanding of mental health and emotional wellbeing. Further information about this program can be found below.
Support tailored to individual needs
We understand that every child is different and that children may need additional support at different points in their lives. We work sensitively to identify emerging needs and provide appropriate support, helping children overcome barriers to their wellbeing, relationships and learning.
Depending on a child's needs, support may include:
Nurture groups: Small-group sessions that help children develop confidence, emotional understanding, social skills and positive relationships in a supportive environment.
One-to-one interventions: Individual support to help children explore their feelings, develop coping strategies and build confidence.
Pastoral support and trusted adults: Opportunities for children to talk about their worries, feel listened to and receive reassurance from familiar members of staff.
Practical resources and targeted support: Age-appropriate stories, activities and resources to help children understand and cope with difficult experiences, such as parental separation, bereavement, changes in family circumstances or worries about home.
Partnership with families: Working closely with parents and carers to understand a child's needs and agree on appropriate ways to support them.
We recognise that changes in family life can affect a child's emotions, behaviour, friendships and ability to concentrate. Our approach is compassionate and non-judgemental, helping children feel understood and reassured while respecting the privacy of each family.
Where a child needs support beyond what school can provide, we work with parents and carers to explore appropriate additional help and, where necessary, liaise with relevant professionals and services.
Inclusion, safety and belonging
We want every child to know that they belong at St George’s. We are committed to an inclusive school community where children are treated fairly, individual needs are recognised and reasonable adjustments are made where appropriate.
We understand that emotional wellbeing can sometimes affect attendance, behaviour, relationships and engagement with learning. We seek to understand the reasons behind a child's difficulties and respond with care, consistency and appropriate support.
Safeguarding is central to our work. Staff take children's concerns seriously and follow school safeguarding procedures to ensure that worries about a child's safety or welfare are responded to appropriately.
Working together with families
Parents and carers know their children best, and we value their partnership in supporting children's wellbeing. We encourage families to share any concerns that may be affecting their child's emotional health, friendships, behaviour or learning.
By working together, we can identify difficulties early, provide consistent support and help children develop the confidence and skills they need to navigate challenges.
If you have concerns about your child's mental health or wellbeing, please speak to your child's class teacher or contact the school office to arrange a conversation with an appropriate member of staff.
Helping every child flourish
At St George’s, we want every child to feel that they are loved, listened to and supported. Guided by our Catholic values, we strive to create a community where compassion is lived out through our actions and where children learn that asking for help is a strength.
By nurturing positive relationships, supporting individual needs and promoting emotional resilience, we aim to help every child grow in confidence, develop a strong sense of belonging and flourish both in school and beyond.
My Happy Mind
Overview of my Happy mind:
We are proud to be a part of the myHappymind Family!
As a whole school program grounded in science and dedicated to building positive mental
wellbeing, myHappymind helps children understand how their brains work and creates a culture that
helps to build children's resilience, confidence, and self-esteem. MyHappymind also teaches the
children how to self-regulate and manage their emotions in stressful times, allowing them to be their
very best selves!
Learn more here: https://myhappymind.org/
Parent App Video link:
https://myhappymind.lpages.co/myhappymind-parent-app-introduction/
myHappymind module descriptions:
Meet Your Brain:
Understanding how your brain works and how to ensure we look after it so that we can manage our emotions and be at our best.
Growth mindset is a key part of this too.
Celebrate:
Understanding your unique Character Strengths and learning to celebrate them. This is
a fantastic module for building self-esteem.
Appreciate:
Understanding why gratitude matters and how you can develop gratitude as a habit.
Gratitude is key to well-being and resilience and we're all about making it a lifelong strategy!
Relate:
Understanding why positive relationships matter and how to build them. We're focused on the building blocks of good relationships and friendships.
Engage:
Understanding how to set meaningful goals that matter and how to stay resilient in times of challenge. This module is all about building self-esteem and resilience too.
Mental Health and Wellbeing resources - signposting.
NSPCC – Children’s mental health: Guides for parents
Advice for parents to help them support their child / children / a child / children known to them who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal feelings or self-harm.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/
Place2Be – Supporting your child’s mental health
Parents / carers / families have an important role in teaching children and young people how to understand and manage their feelings as they grow up.
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/supporting-your-child-s-mental-health/
Young Minds – fighting for young people’s mental health
Parenting isn’t always easy! And it’s OK to ask for / seek help.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
Make it Count – A guide for parents and carers from the Mental Health Foundation
This guide is for parents and carers to help children understand, protect, and sustain their mental health.
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/make-it-count-guide-for-parents-and-carers
MIND – A charity campaigning for everyone experiencing a mental health problem to get support and respect.
‘Can you make someone get help?’ video